Substance use and substance use disorder affects employees, workplaces, families, and communities. It impacts workplace safety, health care costs, productivity, absenteeism, and job performance. Not only are individual employees affected by substance use disorder, any employee may have a partner, child, or family member that is struggling with a substance use disorder. Employers have the opportunity to identify early signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder, and help connect employees to treatment and recovery supports. When employers respond to the opioid epidemic, it benefits the employee and the people that surround them. It is good for employees and good for business! This Opioid Epidemic Response toolkit was developed by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Business Partnership in a public-private partnership. Use the 5 steps below to prevent and address substance use disorder within your workplace. Customize the toolkit materials to fit your needs.
Change the Conversation: Substance use disorder is a preventable and treatable illness.
Promote Safe Use, Storage and Disposal: People sometimes hold onto medications “just in case”. It is illegal and not safe to share prescription medications with anyone else.
Prepare for Overdose Emergencies: Learn about the medication Naloxone.
Make Help Accessible: Encourage employees to use their health insurance and/or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental or chemical health needs.
Support Wellness: All employees, including those in recovery, can benefit from workplaces that focus on health and wellness. Learn about additional considerations you can take to promote a recovery-friendly workplace.
To learn more about these 5 steps, click here.