Workplace Support as a Catalyst for Substance Use Recovery

Dr. Charl Els, Ashley Ianni, Mike Martens, and Ian Robb

Panel 1 – Occupational Health Stream – Recovery at Work – How to make your workplace recovery friendly

September 24th Day 2 – Macleod Hall A & B South Building 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Workplace Support as a Catalyst for Substance Use Recovery

Ashley Ianni, CLAC Helath and Wellness Manager

Session Description

Workplace Support as a Catalyst for Substance Use Recovery: Evidence-Based Strategies for Employee Well-being

Substance use disorders (SUDs) present significant challenges to the workforce including impacts on productivity, safety, morale, and general labour market participation. However, workplaces occupy a uniquely influential position in supporting employee recovery—an opportunity that remains underutilized.

Employer investment into the continuum of care for SUD recovery is increasingly essential as according to the NORC at the University of Chicago and the National Safety Council, the annual average additional cost to an employer for employees who suffer from an SUD has risen 30% in just the past 3 years.

Emerging research highlights the critical role employers can play in fostering sustained recovery through evidence-based interventions. Research done by Weisner (2009) indicates that employer-initiated treatment is more successful than treatment initiated by friends or family members. Evidence demonstrates that employers spend on average over $8,000 USD annually per employee with an untreated SUD, and similarly each employee recovering from a SUD saves the employer over $8,500 USD.

A study by Frone found that employees who perceived their workplace as supportive of recovery were significantly more likely to seek treatment and maintain abstinence. Additionally, the National Safety Council reported that organizations offering employee family assistance programs (EFAPs), peer support, and flexible return-to-work policies observed improved retention and reduced absenteeism among recovering employees.

Key strategies that employers can implement to foster recovery-supportive environments include integrating confidential screening and referral services, non-punitive drug policies, peer-led recovery groups, robust EFAPs and fostering a stigma-free culture through leadership training and mental health literacy.

By adopting evidence-based approaches to creating recovery-supportive workplaces, employers can realize the numerous benefits of shifting from punitive to supportive frameworks, playing a transformative role in employee well-being and organizational resilience while yielding measurable economic and social returns.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

  • Explain how substance use disorders can impact the workplace
  • List key strategies employers can implement to aid them in becoming a recovery-supportive workplace
  • Describe how supporting employees who are suffering from a substance use disorder can increase profitability for the business

References

Frone, M. R. (2019). Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use in the Workforce and Workplace. American Psychological Association.

National Safety Council. (2020). https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/drugs-at-work/supporting-employees-into-recovery

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). (2022). Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit.

Carpenter, C. S., & McClellan, C. B. (2017). Employer Drug Testing and Worker Drug Use. Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, 56(2), 259–288.

New Analysis: Employers Stand to Save an Average of $8,500 for Supporting Each Employee in Recovery from a Substance Use Disorder: NORC at the University of Chicago https://www.norc.org/research/library/new-analysis–employers-stand-to-save-an-average-of–8-500-for-s.html

Otherr Panel Members

Join us for the Alberta Recovery Summit, hosted by the 9th Annual Recovery Capital Conference taking place on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2025.

 Session Streams

  • Health Care and Recovery
  • Indigenous Health
  • Occupational Health and Safety

 Key Details

  • DAY ONE September 23rd – 5:30 pm 6:30: Early Badge Pick Up and Networking Reception, 6:30 pm to 8 pm Pre Conference Presentation
  • DAY TWO September 24th – 8:45 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions
  • DAY THREE September 25th – 9 am to 5 pm: Keynote Speakers and Breakout Sessions

 Hotels

Book your hotel at one of our host hotels and save money. Click on the links for the discount rates and book early as rates will go up, and they always sell out.

Schedule

Speakers

Registration

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