Employer Initiative

Addiction affects all walks of life, from the line worker to the teacher to the CEO. In fact, we know that about half of those struggling with a serious alcohol or other drug problem are employed full-time.

But far too often, these problems remain hidden in the workplace. Stigma, fear and misunderstanding are often big reasons. So employees suffer in silence and employers pay in lost productivity and higher healthcare costs.

We’re working to change that. At the center of the Face It TOGETHER® model is an innovative Employer Initiative that brings addiction into the open by extending recovery support into the workplace. Employers participating in the initiative represent a wide range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, social services and government, among others.

Investing in recovery, reaping rewards
These employers share a common belief that addiction is a chronic disease. They’ve considered the costs of doing nothing, and the benefits of getting involved.

With the help of their health plan and providers, they commit to integrating addiction into their existing chronic disease management or corporate wellness programs to promote understanding, acceptance and support of the journey of recovery.

Alcohol and drug problems are tremendously costly for employers because they directly contribute to higher healthcare expenses, lost productivity and increased absenteeism, disability and turnover. But these costs can be drastically cut by workplace programs and practices that help reduce the number of those suffering from addiction, promote education and wellness and support early intervention.