When epidemics collide: How the pandemic could impact addiction for employees

The COVID-19 outbreak has undoubtedly brought many lives to a standstill. Workers who have been furloughed or laid off are suddenly facing life-changing issues, asking themselves how they will find an income, pay bills and support their families. On top of this, nearly everyone is aware of or in fear of catching or transmitting the virus to friends, family and loved ones. Many are witnessing what happens when a force outside of their control wreaks havoc on their lives.

However, millions of people have spent years facing another destructive epidemic that affects both their livelihood and health: drug and alcohol addiction.

In 2018, more than 20 million Americans ages 12 or older struggled with a substance use disorder, with more than 12 million of those also experiencing a co-occurring mental health condition. Substance use and mental health are inherently linked, and many addictions begin when someone uses drugs or alcohol to self-medicate symptoms of anxiety or depression. Additionally, substance use can cause changes in the brain that lead to or exacerbate mental health conditions.

Experts are predicting that the rates of substance use disorders are expected to increase in the wake of COVID-19, which means many more individuals may need treatment in the coming months and years. However, this does not mean that America must take a reactive approach to treatment by waiting until the pandemic ends. Instead, there are many proactive measures that can be taken now. The first step is to work toward dissolving the stigma of addiction.

Not a choice, but a disease

Many still believe addiction is a choice and that people with addiction can simply stop using drugs or alcohol. The truth is that addiction is an incredibly complex disease, for which there is no cure. The brain can develop both psychological and physical dependence on a substance, and when that substance is taken away, a person’s system will often go through debilitating, even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Telling someone to “just stop” is not only poor advice, but it can also be dangerous.

This is not to say that people with addiction should continue using substances. However, it’s important to understand that recovery is hard to tackle alone. For powerful addictions, such as those to opioids, a person will usually need medical detox to ensure the process is safe. The person will then begin treatment, which typically involves intensive therapy to help them cope with future situations without needing to turn to substance use. Relapses are common, but a strong aftercare program can help people maintain long-term recovery after treatment.

Because of COVID-19’s impact — widespread lockdowns, financial instability and an overwhelmed healthcare system — those who are struggling with an active addiction or are in recovery are being hit especially hard. Many support resources that help prevent relapses have been affected by stay-at-home orders and quarantine recommendations. While these measures are necessary for public safety, they can also increase stress and the need for healthy coping mechanisms for someone in recovery. Many rely on the weekly routine of attending addiction support groups, and many are subsequently finding themselves without anywhere to turn.

Orlando Business Journal Leadership Trust is an invitation-only network of influential business leaders, executives and entrepreneurs in your community. Do I qualify?

How you can help your employees

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), just over 10% of full-time employees and 11% of part-time workers are substance-dependent. That’s approximately 14 million workers. In fact, 70% of those with an alcohol or drug use disorder maintain employment.

Those who are facing life-changing fears may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, and those in recovery may relapse without access to the support they rely on. As a result, addiction treatment resources are perhaps more important than ever and will continue to be in the near future.

There are simple steps you can take to support your employees during these uncertain times and combat a looming rise in addiction and relapse rates. Here are some effective and easy-to-access services and suggestions you can share with employees and colleagues right now:

• Telehealth and teletherapy: Many health insurance providers include in-network coverage for telehealth services, including teletherapy. Individuals can receive substance abuse and mental health counseling from licensed therapists online, from the comfort and safety of their homes, especially if employees are experiencing increased stress, anxiety or depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Employee support groups: Use this time to create community by encouraging employees to reach out and support one another. Individuals can use online meeting services to host free, anonymous meetings at any time to connect virtually and reap the benefits of having a peer support community.

• Substance abuse hotlines: The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is a 24/7 service that provides confidential information and referrals for people struggling with mental health or substance use disorders.

• Mental health and substance abuse resources: Many mental health and substance abuse treatment centers are hosting webinars and publishing information on a variety of mental health topics. Additionally, rehabilitation websites provide free resources about coping techniques, relapse prevention strategies, warning signs of addiction, and other prevention and treatment topics. Look for medically reviewed content to ensure you’re getting the most accurate, helpful information.

Simply sharing mental health-related tips and resources sends a strong, positive message to your employees and empowers them to prioritize good mental health practices.

Taking a proactive approach by sharing resources can help blunt the aftermath of COVID-19. This pandemic is giving the nation a glimpse of isolation, fear and financial hardship — things many people with addiction face each day. Perhaps this will also help lift the stigma of addiction, and those who need help will no longer feel judged for seeking it. Then, we can all turn our attention to solving an epidemic that’s been here all along.