A surprising statistic from Harvard Health states over seventy percent of people with a substance use disorder are employed. Subsequently, employers can no longer ignore these numbers and the effects of employees working with decreased productivity.
Furthermore, solutions to the consequences of affected company profitability include benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs for addiction. But, most importantly, the company supports its employees and maintains productivity.
Understanding Employee Assistance Program for Addiction
Employee Assistance Programs for addiction assist employed employees in trauma or crisis. For example, short-term counseling and other options can treat behavioral health, personal issues, grief, workplace violence, and substance use disorders. However, the benefits are state coverage for substance use disorder treatment.
Fortunately, for those who are actively addicted, recovering from a substance use disorder, or need aftercare, the human resources department may provide an EAP to access support. Employee Assistance Programs for addiction are available to resolve the substance use disorder for the employee and ensure workplace viability for the employer.
In addition, EAPs help employees resolve issues that are affecting their job performance. Furthermore, confidential counseling or therapy and referrals for outside resources and treatment are available for employees. Finally, by offering benefits, EAPs address the company’s overall productivity, profitability, employee morale, and culture.
Some of the most common consequences of substance abuse in the workplace include:
- Decreased productivity through absenteeism, distractions, and reduced quality of work
- High turnover rates, reduced employee morale, engagement, and trust
- Workplace theft
- Rise in workplace injuries and fatalities
How Do Employee Assistance Programs Work?
Employers have found that forming Employee Assistance Programs for addiction benefits employees and the company. In addition, this benefit offers free and confidential services to help an employee experiencing a substance use disorder. However, employers do not need to be aware of the problem; the EAP works to assist employee confidentiality. Finally, this process protects the employer in keeping a safe workplace and the employee receiving treatment for the SUD.
Once an employee encounters a problem, contact with the EAP occurs. Secondly, the program performs an assessment or evaluation of the situation. In addition, the professional component advises the employee who needs treatment. Finally, Employee Assistance Programs for addiction treatment will refer employees to a treatment center to meet their needs.
To make the process transparent, the Employee Assistance Programs for addiction are the facilitators of the process only. Consequently, the employee’s insurance coverage pays for treatment and some of the costs of rehab facilities.
In addition, it is the responsibility of the employee to find financing or other means to pay the costs of treatment insurance will not cover. Most importantly, employees who experience a substance use disorder can rely on a professional advisor through employment to recapture their lives.
Common Types of EAPs
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) attests to three types of Employee Assistance Programs for addiction. However, in determining how to face the challenges of seeking treatment for a substance use disorder, EAPs can facilitate helpful information to stay employed and receive help. In addition, families can receive support as well for family therapy. Fortunately, the pressure of losing employment at such a vital time is not a threat.
Common types of Employee Assistance Programs include:
- Internal Employee Assistance Programs working on-site at the workplace to access in person
- External Employee Assistance Program works off-site of the company, including access by a toll-free phone number
- Blended Employee Assistance Programs have representatives on and off-site of the employment
- Management-Sponsored Programs use management as a sponsor instead of a union, but some extend by using both entities
- Member Assisted Programs process through a union
- Peer-Based Programs: Sponsors include peers and co-workers
The Pros and Cons of Employee Assistance Programs
Employment protection in times of crisis is the goal of EAPs, while also serving the employees and their families respectfully. Consequently, those struggling with a drug or alcohol use disorder must stay employed to keep their medical benefits and afford rehab. However, weighing out the pros and cons of utilizing an Employee Assistance Program for addiction is an intelligent way to make decisions. Finally, keeping focused on the goal of sobriety is paramount.
The pros of an Employee Assistance Program for addiction could be any of the following:
- First, the EAP is a free service and confidential.
- Secondly, an objective third party assesses and evaluates to find the best treatment plan.
- Third, family members are eligible for counseling services.
- Finally, EAPs can facilitate a leave of absence from work for treatment.
The only cons in utilizing an Employee Assistance Program for addiction is that the free and confidential advice can only go so far. However, once the employee contacts the treatment facility from the referral, the employee must advocate for themself. In addition, financial decisions are the responsibility of the employee. Consequently, the EAP is the driving force for seeking help in the initial crisis stage.
Specific Benefits of EAPs
Each Employee Assistance Program for Addiction has its own rules and regulations. But programs always benefit a company’s employees and their family members. Furthermore, EAPs include a variety of vital services for employees. The following list of services in most EAPs consists of the following components.
The services commonly provided are listed below:
- Addiction treatment referrals
- Substance abuse treatment
- Employee education and training
- Individual counseling
- Legal assistance and referrals
- Elder care service referrals
- Adoption assistance
Learn About Employee Assistance Programs in Tennessee
If you or a loved one are experiencing a substance use disorder and trying to maintain employment, Freeman Recovery Center in Tennessee can assist you. In addition, if the Employee Assistance Program in your workplace is trying to refer to an experienced and professional treatment center to begin recovery, our intake staff can participate in facilitating your entry. Our compassionate team understands the struggle of maintaining employment while finding help.
Contact our specialists today.
