The Impact of Substance Abuse on Work and Career: What You Need to Know

Substance use disorder (SUD) can have a significant impact on the daily work life and career of those suffering. As this issue continues to grow, the importance of understanding what and how it impacts  your professional life and future opportunities can not be understated.

In today’s article, we will be taking a closer look at the impact substance use disorder can have on your career. Additionally, we will explore some ways both employers and employees can work together to make the workplace a safer, encouraging environment for those looking to begin their recovery journey. 

Understanding Addiction in the Workplace

Substance use at work can be a complicated issue to unpack, with a wide variety of risk factors and causes. In the modern labor force, it represents one of the most critical issues within the United States, impacting millions of workers on a daily basis.

COVID-19’s Effect

Many issues surrounding substance use disorder and other mental health issues have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to a variety of negative factors, including extreme isolation, technology overuse, and a severe disruption of social and emotional norms.

While it is admittedly very early to say anything definitive, many parts of the United States have reported increases ranging from 25% to over 50% from the beginning of the pandemic to the present day, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Employer Obligations

There are many coverages, considerations, and obligations that all employers have in the United States regarding their employees’ mental health, with many of these extending directly to substance use disorder. For example, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employers are legally obligated to provide qualifying employees up to 12 weeks of protected leave. This helpful and 100% free guide helps break down what is currently covered and protected under FMLA.

Outside of FMLA and other related legislations, there are many other employer obligations that may vary depending on industry, location, and a wide variety of other key factors.

The Impact of Substance Use in the Workplace

Use of harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol within the workplace can be detrimental to one’s professional and personal life, severely impacting their ability to make money and support themselves.

A Growing Global Epidemic

More than 46 million Americans actively suffer from substance use disorder, according to a 2022 study conducted by SAMHSA. Of these 46 million impacted individuals, more than two-thirds, or 30.1 million, approximately, were employed.

This trend is only continuing to grow with each passing year, with the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics finding that the nonmedical usage of drugs has increased by 500% between 2012 and 2020.

These statistics vary slightly between industries and demographics, with physically demanding, labor intensive industries such as construction and fishing seeing among the highest rates, yet the problem persists widely. By and large, the usage of harmful substances is only becoming more common within the workplace.

Recommendations and Resources

With the increase in drug misuse and substance use disorder, so too has the amount of resources and services (both free and insurance covered) that are available to help get you or your affected loved ones back on track. For example, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), has published a free guide and database for overdose prevention.

Another thing that is important to consider regarding substance use disorder that is found specifically in the workplace is workplace-supported recovery programs. These types of programs can be integral to finding long lasting sobriety. While the specifics of each workplace-supported recovery program vary, a few of the most common factors include encouraging and facilitating treatment access, supporting workers through recovery, and preventing substance use in and outside of work.

Pushing Past the Stigma of Substance Use Disorder

One of the largest obstacles that prevents individuals from finding the help they need is the intensive social stigma surrounding substance use disorder.

Countless individuals live in denial or refuse to seek treatment because of the way society views substance use disorder and the fear of being rejected or ostracized from the social circles that matter most to them.

Early Intervention

Seeking help and treatment for substance use disorder early on is one of the smartest actions you can take when trying to find sobriety. This is not to say that it is impossible to recover if you have been battling SUD for a long time, but rather getting a hold of the disease is easier the earlier you begin to take action.

This can take on many forms depending on the individual. For some, this may look like going to meetings and actively participating in a 12 step program, while others may benefit most from checking themselves into rehab or another type of treatment facility.

Maintaining Hope

The journey toward sober living can be long and arduous. It is not at all uncommon to feel like there is no hope or light at the end of the tunnel. Recognizing this as inevitable and expecting it to come can be crucial toward maintaining hope even when you are at your lowest point in the recovery process.

Keeping your head held high and remaining hopeful that you can and will eventually enjoy long-lasting sobriety is incredibly important. As a friend or loved one of someone struggling with substance use disorder, one of the best things you can do is foster an atmosphere of compassion and positivity to help keep them on track.

SoberMind Recovery Is Here to Help

SoberMind Recovery is a Los Angeles recovery center that offers a wide range of specialized treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation programs, ranging from LGBTQ sober living to dual diagnosis treatment. They also provide individual, group, and cognitive behavioral therapy options.

Our mission here at SoberMind Recovery is to provide individualized, research-backed care in a compassionate and high-quality environment while making a difference in the world of addiction. We help people achieve long-lasting recovery and lead well-balanced lives.

Residents of the Los Angeles area are encouraged to call today 100% free of charge at 818-835-9268 or 819-398-8047 to see if our compassionate, evidence-based treatment options are a good fit for you and your recovery needs.