As the volume has been turned up on conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, the primary topics have involved race, gender, age and disability. But those discussions are now being broadened to include addiction and teetotalism, adding another important consideration for leaders shaping DEI strategies.
It’s an issue that’s hidden in plain sight. More than 70% of an estimated 22.4 million illicit drug users and nearly 80% of 41.2 million binge drinkers are part of the U.S. workforce, according to the latest federal government research on this topic. But given the stigma around addiction, many are afraid to seek help for fear of being fired.
