Office of National Drug Control Policy releases recovery-ready workplace toolkit

In 2021, 26.9 million Americans 18 or older reported problems with substance abuse. Of those, 78 percent were employed full time. In an effort to help employers support workers who may be impacted by substance abuse/misuse and those in recovery, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has released a recovery-ready workplace toolkit.

The toolkit includes:

• Workplace assessment,
• Implementation checklist,
• Monitoring resources, and
• Sample training topics/surveys.

Employers can implement policies that fall under one of four pillars: prevention and risk reduction, training and education, hiring and employment, and treatment/recovery support. Additional engagement and communication tools can help employers create and maintain policies, communicate internally/externally, and understand what recovery-ready means.

The National Safety Council (NSC) recently released a similar program aimed at dealing with workplace overdoses. NSC is in support of the federal toolkit as it aligns with the council’s focus on overdose awareness and prevention. Both programs can help employers provide support for workers affected by substance abuse, ensuring their health and well-being.