Well-being and Workforce Strategy

Substance Use Disorder: An Employer’s Strategy Resource

Substance use disorders significantly impact employers, employees and their families. Employers can benefit from understanding substance use disorders, prevention strategies and ways to support their plan members with this condition.

April 18, 2025

Substance Use Disorder: An Employer's Strategy Resource

This guide aims to help employers understand the impact of substance use disorder (SUD) and strategies for employee support.

Full Series icon_right_chevron_dark

Substance use disorder is a complex, chronic condition that significantly impacts individuals’ well-being, personal relationships and work performance. Despite recent improvements in overdose statistics, the crisis remains severe, and employers can play a vital role by promoting effective treatment options and supportive workplace cultures.

Key Implications for Employers

	Employee Productivity: Untreated SUD often leads to absenteeism and high turnover.
	Workplace Safety: Impaired judgment and risk-taking behaviors increase the likelihood of on-the-job incidents.
	Health Care Costs: SUD accounts for sizable medical expenses; underdiagnosis inflates the real price tag.
	Stigma Challenges: Misconceptions surrounding SUD can deter employees from seeking help and delay recovery.

Employer Strategies

one red block figure surrounded by wooden color block figures

Combat Stigma:

Integrate peer support and manager training on mental health.
Encourage open conversations around substance use and recovery.

woman touching shoulder empathetically of another woman

Implement Supportive Policies:

Consider first-offense forgiveness to retain and rehabilitate valuable employees.
Offer flexible leave or accommodations to support ongoing treatment.
Encourage virtual health offerings, including text-based apps and teletherapy.

hands of dr gesturing explaining something while another set of hands are folded;

Steer Employees to High-Quality Care:

Partner with EAPs, health plans or centers of excellence offering evidence-based solutions (e.g., medication-assisted therapy).
Limit or remove coverage for facilities lacking proven clinical approaches.
Guide employees toward community programs or mutual support groups that reinforce healthy behaviors.

Invest in Prevention

Monitor and limit access to highly addictive medications through plan design.
Provide workplace programs that address stress, financial uncertainty or other risk factors for heavy substance use.

By recognizing substance use disorder as a manageable condition and directing employees toward effective treatments, employers can minimize safety risks, lower medical expenditures and promote a healthier workforce. Taking intentional steps—such as fighting stigma, ensuring access to quality care and providing ongoing support—creates a stronger, more resilient workplace for everyone.

Related Resources

Join today to gain access to member-only resources!

Learn More