Alcohol and drug use among employees and their family members can be costly to a business.

More and more employers are finding it challenging to hire and train people who are both reliable and can produce a urine specimen void of illicit substances.

Employers are forced to enforce zero tolerance policies, leave positions vacant, survive on reduced work production and are experiencing major financial loses. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-V), so employers need to be careful to ensure there is no discrimination toward employees with SUD.

Many are learning the hard way that to effectively address employee alcohol and other drug-related issues, something has to change.

By preventing and intervening early, encouraging treatment, and providing recovery supports onsite, employers across the country are embracing this opportunity to reduce the negative economic and social impacts of alcohol and drug use and addiction in the workplace, while simultaneously reducing related costs to their bottom line.

Employers can now shift their perspective and work culture to be more supportive and less punitive, and have the opportunity to part of the Recovery-Friendly Workplace program designed to reduce the stigma of substance use and provide options for treatment and recovery.

Reality Check, a nonprofit in Jaffrey, is hosting its second Recovery Friendly Employer Symposium virtually on Nov. 18.

Employers will learn multiple strategies to shift current trends including the importance of educating staff and supervisors on addiction and recovery, developing policies and procedures to be more supportive, and providing space for people in recovery to meet on-site.

Join virtually on Nov. 18. Major employer guest speakers share their experience with the process and tips how to remain legal while supporting employees and improving production.

To register, visit https://www.realitychecknow.org/symposium.

For additional information, email Nicole@RealityCheckNow.org.