Since the 1990s, the United States has experienced increasing rates of substance misuse and drug overdose-related deaths — a trend that has only amplified with the increased availability of opioids. Between 2000 and 2021, the number of annual overdose deaths rose from 17,500 to over 106,000, with approximately 80,000 linked to opioid use.
As the opioid epidemic impacts communities across the United States, it may also be actively affecting your employees and their families. Learn more about the effects of the opioid epidemic on the workforce, opioid addiction-related resources you can share with your team, and the importance of employee well-being and support.
How is the opioid epidemic impacting the workforce?
According to Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council, most people are aware of the opioid epidemic. However, many employers are not aware of its effects on their organization.
“Overdose deaths at work have risen over 600% since 2011, and now make up nearly 10% of all deaths on the job,” Martin explained. “This is a workplace issue.”
Opioid addiction doesn’t just affect those battling substance misuse; it also has ripple effects on those in their support network.
“When nearly 300 people are dying every day of overdoses, it’s almost a guarantee that employees, even those who haven’t been impacted directly themselves, have a family member, friend or loved one who has,” she added.
[Read more: How to Support Employee Wellness: Business Owners Share Strategies]
Opioid addiction resources to share with your employees
Whether you have employees directly affected by an opioid addiction or want to promote prevention and wellness, here are some well-being and addiction-related resources you can share with your team members.
Employee Assistance Program
Employee assistance programs (EAPs) can offer confidential support and resources on a variety of issues, including mental health, addiction, and family or caregiving challenges. Employers can provide EAPs as part of a larger benefits package, choosing a provider that offers services that meet the needs of their workforce.
Just Five
Just Five is a self-paced, online addiction prevention and treatment training program. It offers five-minute learning experiences along with in-depth additional lessons. Employers interested in providing this program to their employees can email justfive@shatterproof.org.
Employers are uniquely positioned to make a difference by supporting employees in recovery.
Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council
National Safety Council
The National Safety Council (NSC) is a resource for employers looking to build safer workplaces. Among NSC’s initiatives is the Respond Ready Workplace program, which offers education and training resources on using naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses.
Operation Prevention
Operation Prevention has created a series of educational modules on opioid misuse in the workplace, available online and at no cost to employers. Small business owners can also review Operation Prevention’s workplace guide for tips on implementing this program.
Psych Hub
Psych Hub provides educational content on a variety of topics, including substance use disorder (SUD), mental health disorders, and general wellness. The online platform is designed to help employees and leadership teams understand and improve mental health in the workplace and beyond.
[Read more: Mental Wellness Benefits to Offer Employees]
Why employee well-being and support matters
A focus on well-being and support is crucial for all employees, but it is especially vital for those with SUDs.
“Employers are uniquely positioned to make a difference by supporting employees in recovery,” Martin said. “The data shows employer-initiated treatment is more successful than treatment initiated by friends or family members.”
There’s also a clear business case for supporting employees with SUDs. According to Martin, employees in recovery have equal or lower health care costs, absenteeism, and job turnover compared to those who have not reported SUDs.
Most importantly, employers prioritizing well-being and support can create safer workplaces where employees thrive.
“Fatigue, substance use, [and] mental distress … can lead to impairment, which can, in turn, decrease an employee's ability to keep themselves and others safe in the workplace,” Martin told CO—. “Wellbeing means building safe workplaces that are also engines for health and wellness, that show workers that they matter, that their work matters, and that they have the resources and support necessary to be safe and flourish.”
[Read more: Top Wellness Benefits to Offer Employees]
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
