It’s no secret that Americans – and their employers – have an opioid problem. The Washington Post recently shared that one-third of long-term users say they’re hooked on prescription opioids, a problem that is being addressed by the $1 billion 21st Century Cures Act. But what can employers do to address substance abuse in the workforce? The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans recently conducted a survey of U.S. and Canadian organizations on the topic of mental health and substance abuse. The study revealed that 67 percent of respondents believe that substance abuse has an impact on work performance. Vice President Julie Stich suggested that substance abuse is best dealt with in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that handles resources, referrals, counseling and education. Continue reading to learn how to welcome back an employee who has been on leave to deal with an admitted substance abuse problem.

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