How an EAP can help facilitate a road to recovery

More than 70% of people with a substance use disorder are employed. 

I need help. Three simple words. Three words that hold so much weight and depth. When I found these words stumbling out of my mouth it was almost as I wanted to grab them from the air and jam them back in. Did I really just say that out loud? TO MY EMPLOYER? Thoughts of ruined reputation, embarrassment and financial ruin loomed ahead. Fear, panic and worry set in. I looked at my boss who I had grown a close relationship with and had never felt so much disappointment, guilt and shame. She then did something I was not expecting with all the tricks my mind was playing. She offered and asked if I was willing to go to treatment. Within thirty minutes of those words uttering out of me, she came up with a game plan to drive me to my fiancée’s work and have a sit down meeting. She called a treatment center that was almost fully covered by our companies insurance. The next day I was on a plane to Texas. To begin again, to start fresh, to live my most authentic, healthy life.  

Having an employer that cared about my health and wellbeing revolutionized my life. My supervisor acted quickly and supported me to get the help I desperately needed. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can do exactly what my supervisor did…that’s the power of an EAP. It is an essential element of organizational success. The opportunity to support your employees and their families’ total wellbeing; physically, mentally, and financially, will foster their best and most productive lives. This in turn, improves the overall wellness of the workplace. 

Who has an EAP? 

• Over 97% of U.S. companies with more than 5,000 employees have an EAP. 
• About 80% of companies with 1,001 to 5,000 employees have an EAP. 
• About 75% of companies with 251 to 1,000 employees have an EAP. 
• Many smaller companies have some form of an EAP. 

What happens when an employer doesn’t have an EAP?  

• Decreased productivity 
• High turnover rates 
• Workplace theft 
• Increased absenteeism 

• Decreased quality of work 
• More workplace injuries and fatalities 
• Decreased employee morale, engagement, and trust 

Having an employee assistance program is essential in creating a safe and healthy workplace culture. It is also one of the five components of a drug -free workplace. Some critical benefits of a drug-free workplace include, aiding community prevention efforts by addressing mental health and substance use conditions, educating supervisors and employees about the dangers of substance use, encouraging employees to not use illicit drugs, supporting mental health and substance use recovery and ultimately helping businesses and communities thrive.  

EAP services are delivered at no cost to employees by EAP vendors or providers who are part of comprehensive health insurance plans. Services are often delivered via phone, video-based counseling, or in a mental health professionals office. EAPs can be tailored to meet each organization’s needs to better serve its’ employees. 

When employers address challenges and assist employees in identifying and resolving personal and/or work issues they make an impact by saying, ‘we value and care about you as an employee and as a person’. And the employer sees the impact through reduced absenteeism, lowered workman’s compensation claims, increased employee morale, reduced costs from employee turnover, and a return on investment by 2:1. Your employee assistance program should be effective, voluntary, supportive and confidential. An EAP is a champion for wellness and recovery.  For more information, about cultivating a healthy and productive workforce contact DFWPA.org or call at 717-454-3100. 

It’s ok to not be ok. You don’t have to struggle alone. There is help available. Call today.