As someone who has worked in the field of substance use or co-occurring disorders treatment for more than two decades, I am very pleased to share my thoughts on the idea of recovery in the workplace and challenge people’s beliefs on what substance use looks like today. In my twenty-three years, I have seen the demand for treatment access and the severity of substances used increase drastically, especially in the last decade. The numbers have certainly spiked higher since the COVID crisis began.
Most of my time has been spent launching new programming and leading recovery services in mid-Missouri. The Phoenix Clinic, a Burrell Health Center, is named in recognition of the former Phoenix Programs organization (Phoenix’s services and staff joined Burrell Behavioral Health about a year ago). The Phoenix Clinic also provides a seamless place to hand off those who walk into Burrell’s 24/7 Behavioral Crisis Center with substance use recovery needs.
The Phoenix Clinic offers comprehensive services including, residential and outpatient substance use treatment, medication-assisted treatment, treatment of co-occurring issues, disease management, and the Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program. Today these services fit seamlessly with Burrell’s traditional services, which include psychiatry, outpatient therapy, and more.
At the Phoenix Clinic, one of the first things that happens when a person is admitted into a substance use treatment program is an assessment with a licensed or credentialed provider to create and identify the person’s needs and creating goals for the future. With a few exceptions, most clients identify employment as their primary concern. Although adults with a diagnosed substance use disorder are more likely to be unemployed, most do have jobs. A recent study from the University of Chicago found that 70 percent of adults struggling with a substance use disorder are currently working.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) estimates that substance use disorders cost employers in the United States eighty-one billion dollars annually through lost productivity and absenteeism, turnover and recruitment costs, workplace accidents, healthcare expenses, and disability and worker’s compensation.
With such an impact on business, it makes sense for business owners to look for solutions that will decrease the losses and improve the lives of our employees. One of the most effective solutions I can suggest would be to support employees through programs and initiatives that encourage treatment and recovery. In fact, NCADD finds that employer-initiated treatment is more effective than treatment suggested or initiated by friends/family members.
The idea of recovery-friendly workplaces is growing in Missouri and nationally. Missouri businesses are learning that being recovery-friendly helps both the employer and the employee. The overall health and morale of employees — both those who are in crisis as well as wider staff — increases with this approach, which stresses support and the removal of stigma around the topic. Job satisfaction and retention rates improve, and business reputation increases in the community when a company partners with local resource groups.
As a treatment provider who sees the value of work for an individual’s recovery, I urge Columbia businesses and business owners to build HR practices that retain employees whenever possible. Work environments that are kind, caring, and supportive of change almost always yield positive results for the business and employer as well.
