Addressing alcohol use disorder in the workplace
Alcohol use has increased among middle-aged adults. Here’s how employers can support their employees.
High-intensity drinking is on the rise among middle-aged adults, a demographic that constitutes a significant portion of the workforce.1
Earlier this year, the former U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning about the increasing cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption.2 Additionally, research funded by the National Institutes of Health has revealed that 35- to 50-year-olds have reported the highest prevalence of binge drinking ever recorded for this age group.3 Heavy drinking among women has also surged by 41% since the pandemic.4
Chronic, high-risk drinking has been linked to a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, liver failure, mental health disorders and an increased risk of cancer.5 But excessive alcohol consumption is not only a personal health issue but also a public health crisis with profound implications for employers.
In fact, employees with alcohol use disorder (AUD) miss an average of 32 workdays per year, leading to over 232M missed workdays annually in the U.S.6 and – along with drug use – alcohol use can cost employers $81B in lost productivity, health care, accidents and more.7 These costs may be even higher for employers operating in states like Nebraska, Hawaii, Montana, Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota, where excessive drinking is the highest.8
Strategies to support employees with alcohol use disorder
Common indicators of AUD in the workplace include employees failing to meet deadlines, experiencing memory impairment or showing distress when alcohol is not available. They may also have unusual difficulty completing routine tasks, disappear without explanation, or frequently call in sick or arrive late.9 It is crucial to recognize that not all individuals with alcohol use issues will display the same symptoms, and these signs are not always indicative of alcohol use.
To address these challenges, employers can implement several strategies to support their workforce:
- Promote Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and the availability of counseling services through EAPs. These programs, typically offered at no cost to employees, provide support for those struggling with alcohol use, including referrals to addiction specialists and treatment programs.
- Collaborate with carriers that offer a wide network of behavioral health care professionals specializing in substance use disorders and behavioral health. Specialized care can include personalized treatment plans, both in-person and virtual, to ensure employees receive the appropriate level of support tailored to their needs.
- Provide digital health solutions that offer accessible and flexible support for employees. These can include educational content to help employees understand the impact of alcohol consumption and problem drinking, self-screening tests, virtual support groups, telehealth services and app-based tools to facilitate discreet and convenient access to care.
- Foster a supportive work environment by training managers to recognize the signs of alcohol use disorder and equipping them with resources to support their teams. Regularly communicating the availability of resources and support can help reduce stigma and encourage employees to seek help.
By taking proactive steps to address alcohol use in the workplace, employers can foster a supportive and productive environment, mitigate the financial burden of alcohol use disorders and enhance overall employee well-being.
Substance use support around the clock
Individuals and their families can get immediate, locally based provider referrals and other confidential assistance 24/7 by phone at no additional cost at 1-855-780-5955. Callers can remain anonymous during the interaction. The substance use recovery advocate will take the time to fully understand each individual’s situation and guide them to the next steps most helpful to them. They will also provide expert decision support so individuals can better understand treatment options and provider types and arrange a face-to-face evaluation with a trusted, licensed substance use treatment professional, typically within 24 hours.
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