Addressing Substance Use in the Workplace

Please feel free to save or share this link to refer back to this offering. For in depth information or for scheduling, please visit the activity site directly as detailed in the activity description.
30 Jan

Addressing Substance Use in the Workplace

Addressing Substance Use in the Workplace

Friday, January 30, 2026 (12:00 AM) to Tuesday, August 31, 2027 (11:59 PM)
2 PDCs
Provider: Life Betterment Through God, LLC dba Knoxville Happiness Coalition
Course Name: Addressing Substance Use in the Workplace

Speaker: Alexia Georghiou
Program Type: Videoconferences, webcasts, audiocasts, podcasts, eBooks, self-directed E-Learning
Registration URL: https://academy.knoxvillehappinesscoalition.com/b/substanceuse

Email Details

Objective: Equip HR professionals with strategies to support staff struggling with addiction, identify underlying causes, and understand options for ending employment relationships if necessary. Learning Outcomes: Upon completing the course, learners will be able to: Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity—approach addiction conversations with compassion, respect, and confidentiality. Communicate effectively—clearly convey expectations, policies, and available support resources. Build supportive relationships—recognize underlying causes of addiction and provide appropriate resources and assistance. Handle sensitive situations—navigate complex issues professionally, including policy violations and potential terminations.

You're Registered!
Understanding Addiction and Its Workplace Impact: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by inability to control substance use despite negative consequences. Severity ranges from mild (2–3 DSM-5 criteria) to severe (6+ criteria). Substances include alcohol, prescription medications, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, nicotine, inhalants, and synthetic drugs. Behavioral addictions such as gambling and internet gaming share similar patterns. Addiction affects productivity, morale, and safety. Signs include frequent absences, mood swings, fatigue, and neglect of personal appearance. Global and Local Context: Worldwide, 1 in 17 adults uses drugs; cannabis is most common. Opioids drive the majority of severe drug-related harm. Country-specific prevalence varies: U.S. (10%), Ireland (9%), Australia (5%), Canada (21%), UK (9.4%), South Africa (20%), India and Pakistan (millions affected), Singapore (2.3%), New Zealand (high binge drinking). Identifying and Addressing Underlying Causes: Addiction may stem from mental health issues (depression, anxiety, trauma), workplace stress (high demands, low support), and socioeconomic factors (financial instability, limited healthcare). Supporting Employees: Foster a supportive, inclusive work environment with peer networks, team-building, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Research shows isolation and stress increase substance use, while social support reduces it; gender-sensitive approaches may improve outcomes. Conversations about addiction should maintain confidentiality, express empathy, set clear boundaries, and provide access to resources. Support during recovery should be ongoing, including counseling, relapse prevention programs, flexible schedules, and a non-punitive approach to relapse. Policy Development and Communication: Implement a clear substance use policy outlining acceptable behavior, support mechanisms, and consequences. Keep employees informed about policies, resources, and available support. Drug testing may have limited deterrent effect; evidence is inconclusive. Managing Termination or Severing Employment: Consider termination in cases of repeated policy violations despite support or when addiction poses a direct safety risk. Ensure documentation, consistency, fairness, and professionalism throughout the process. Key Principles for HR Professionals: Balance empathy and accountability. Prioritize safety while providing support. Foster ongoing communication and a culture of inclusion.