Between an increasing number of states legalizing cannabis and the ever-growing opioid crisis, not to mention the stresses of a global pandemic, employee drug use is up. According to the Washington Post, overdoses across the US jumped dramatically during the first few months of the pandemic. The data shows suspected overdoses up by 18% in March, 29% in April and 42% in May. And it will be months before the picture is complete.

Many are concerned that the ongoing stress and uncertainty related to Coronavirus – and the isolation of quarantine – would lead to greater drug use. Employers should consider ways to support employee rehabilitation. Here are a few ways employers can support employees who suffer with drug abuse.

Recognize the Signs

Whether the drug use stems from a mental health issue or a disability, battling addiction is challenging. Some employees, not sure where else to go, will reach out to their employers for help. Most won’t even realize they need help. But trained employers and managers can learn to recognize the warning signs of employee drug use and take proactive steps to help.

Some signs you may have an employee drug use problem include:

  • Absenteeism
  • Failure to meet standards
  • Showing up impaired
  • A workplace safety accident

Provide Employee Support

Employee drug use can lead to unsafe working practices and reduced productivity. Even more than that, employers who want to go the extra mile for their employees find ways to support those employees in times of stress and need.

Provide support for those battling addiction with company-sponsored programs, including:

  • Review your company’s health insurance offerings to find ways to support the employee.
  • Provide the company’s EAP contact information, along with information on available FMLA, state or company leave policies.
  • Offer access to mental health programs, as some employees may “self-medicate” mental illness with drugs or alcohol.
  • Offer the services of a substance abuse professional for the employee.

Offering a wide variety of services may be one of the best ways to combat employee drug use. In this way, the employees can take advantage of the opportunities that work best for their specific situation. You may also want to seek legal counsel and support throughout the process.

Contact a HUB employee benefits specialist to help you build a plan to support employees struggling with substance abuse.