How to help employees with drug and alcohol addiction

Long story short: There’s hope for employees with drug and alcohol addiction. Here’s how to help

September 24, 2021 1:17 PM

Recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction is possible with the right resources and support.

As employees struggle with personal challenges, employers have the tools in place to help them seek help. It’s important employers learn the language of addiction in order to spot the warning signs, and then have benefits at the ready, like an employee assistance program, telehealth apps and health insurance coverage that address these needs.

During National Recovery Month, Employee Benefit News has tapped into our network of workplace experts to get advice and resources. New innovations in technology are making programs like Lionrock Recovery, an organization that offers online substance abuse counseling, more accessible and affordable than ever. Other programs from Lyra and Cigna are working to combat stigma and help employees shift their coping strategies toward more healthy and productive choices.

See more from our top stories on addiction and recovery support:

As addiction rates soar, employers can offer a lifeline

With the future uncertain, employees may be relying too heavily on unhealthy coping mechanisms, developing dangerous

addictions to drugs and alcohol

that can impact their lives for decades to come.

But of the more than 21 million people with

substance use disorders

in the U.S., just 10% seek treatment, due to stigma and other barriers to care. Dan Jolivet from The Standard Insurance Company discussed the rising rates of substance use disorders and how organizations can support employees and destigmatize the conversation in a recent interview with Employee Benefit News.

Read more:

As addiction rates soar, employers can offer a lifeline

How this CEO used his own experience with addiction to change substance use treatment

After seeking out treatment for his family members for years, Peter Loeb said he saw a lot of room for improvement. His background in Silicon Valley showed Loeb how he could leverage technology to make recovery and care services more accessible and affordable, while protecting the privacy of those seeking help.

Loeb is now the CEO and cofounder of Lionrock Recovery, an organization that offers online substance abuse counseling. Patients utilizing the Lionrock program are provided with intensive outpatient programs that provide addiction treatment from the privacy of their own home, as well as group and individual treatment options, including education and family counseling sessions.

Read more:

How this CEO used his own experience with addiction to change substance use treatment

6 low-cost apps to help employees with drug and alcohol addiction

Substance use disorders

continue to climb during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people struggle with high levels of stress and uncertainty that may push them toward dangerous habits. For those already dealing with drug and alcohol addictions, the loss of in-person support made it even more difficult for them to get the consistent help they need.

But seeking treatment for these issues is no longer relegated to expensive and long-term rehab programs. Telehealth has stepped in to provide care and support that’s accessible at all times. These apps and

digital offerings

also hope to lessen the stigma of addiction and provide employers with tools to help their employees seek the treatment they need.

Read more:

6 low-cost apps to help employees with drug and alcohol addiction

Ria Health is making recovery from alcohol use easier for members

Ria Health, a leading telehealth provider specializing in alcohol use disorder treatment, recently announced a partnership with health insurance organization Highmark. Highmark's 5.6 million members now have access to Ria’s team of specialized physicians and coaches who can help move patients from high-risk to lower-risk behavior.

On average, 58% of Ria’s patients engage with their program for at least six months and the average patient shows a 75% reduction in their blood alcohol level. Ria’s research suggests that a major barrier to people seeking treatment is that they believe abstaining from alcohol is their only option, which is why the telehealth provider’s clinical approach focuses on reducing harmful drinking by providing a program that supports goals of reduction as well as abstinence.

Read more:

Ria Health is helping Highmark make recovery from alcohol use easier for members