As a society, we have become more empathetic. This is wonderful because it allows us to be honest with each other. In particular, the stigmas revolving around addiction are decreasing. Nowadays, it is not a taboo topic that results in mocking or shaming.  It’s easy to understand that addiction is an illness that must be treated. Furthermore, we recognize that it cannot be treated without proper care and research.  In many cases, this translates to the workplace. In order to genuinely help your employees, it’s vital to foster a supportive culture free of negative stigmas. What to Do A ..read more

It’s no surprise that, in any workplace, coworkers truly bond. In turn, colleagues and employers may worry about each other’s well-being. One concerning example is substance abuse. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, substance abuse can become quite dangerous. Along with severe individual health risks, this type of addiction can be harmful to the overall workplace environment.  Therefore, it is important to understand proper substance abuse prevention and treatment options. By doing so, you can better ensure workspace health and safety. So, let’s take a closer look at how your workplace can bu ..read more

As employers, it is our responsibility to help our employees. When individuals are struggling, they often look for someone to offer a helping hand. Addiction, for example, is a common condition that many face. Categorized as a neurophysiological disorder, addiction can have detrimental effects on a person. Unfortunately, it can completely consume and ruin one’s life, workplace relationships, and environment. In turn, it can pose health and safety risks to coworkers and customers.  In this article, we will dive into the reality of addiction and how you can help someone who is struggling. H ..read more

Every employer hopes to achieve a drug-free workplace. In recent years, employee drug policies have begun to evolve as our understanding of addiction has changed. Older “zero tolerance” drug policies have begun to be phased out in favor of policies focused more on support and education. The goal of promoting and maintaining a drug free workplace has not changed.  However, the methods for achieving that goal differ today from a few decades ago. Here is a look at how employee drug policies are changing and how to create an effective drug policy today. Effectiveness of Zero Tolerance Drug Po ..read more

We spend a lot of time with our co-workers and often develop close personal relationships with them. Knowing how to spot signs of distress, particularly substance abuse, can be very important when somebody is struggling.  But sometimes, the symptoms can be hard to identify. Here are some potential signs of co-worker substance abuse that should not be overlooked What is Substance Abuse? How Can You Spot Symptoms? It might be helpful to start by answering the question, “What is substance abuse?” Not every use of a substance is necessarily abuse. Alcohol, in particular, is a widely used, soc ..read more

A healthy work environment is often a productive work environment. This often starts with good leadership and worker empowerment. Creating a drug free space can be a crucial but often overlooked part of a healthy work environment. Addiction is a very serious condition that affects millions of Americans. However, there are ways to curb substance abuse before it becomes a problem or manage the severity of addiction when it does happen. As an employer or manager, there are steps you can take to promote a happier, drug-free zone at your workplace. Outside of financial support, workplace conditions ..read more

Substance abuse is a serious problem that affects millions of Americans. Addressing concerns about an individual’s substance problems can be difficult in any context. Addressing these concerns in a work environment has its own set of challenges, especially if you’re considering an intervention. Staging an intervention for an individual dealing with addiction is often the first step toward recovery. But when is it appropriate to take action to address workplace concerns? Intervention Definition First, it might help to clarify what exactly the word “intervention” means in this context. For many ..read more

Drug addiction can affect anybody, and its symptoms can often go unnoticed, especially by the individual with the addiction. Being addicted to substances takes a toll on all aspects of an individual’s life. Drug addiction in the workplace can be especially problematic for several reasons. The individual’s well-being is always a top priority, as are a company’s reputation, worker safety, and job performance. To better understand the toll of workplace drug addiction, here is a look at the warning signs and consequences of substance abuse in the workplace. Signs of a Drug Addicted Worker Behavior ..read more

In recent years, our society has shifted the way it thinks about drug use and addiction. Attitudes have begun to shift toward a more compassionate and understanding treatment of the harsh struggles of addiction. Reflecting this change, drug policies have also begun to shift away from harsher and more punitive stances toward drug use. As legal drug policies shift, many companies are also taking this opportunity to update their own employee drug policy. While substance abuse in the workplace is still a very serious matter, many modern drug policies now emphasize education and recovery. What fact ..read more

Addiction is difficult to overcome for several reasons. In addition to physical dependence on a substance, many people suffering from addiction also fear the social repercussions of their addiction. The stigma against substance abuse and addiction can make it extremely difficult for individuals to find help when it’s needed. When fostering any sort of social environment, whether in a workplace or elsewhere, compassion and understanding go a long way. Helping people to understand the signs, causes, and effects of addiction can empower individuals to get the help they need when they are addicted ..read more