Substance use disorder (SUD) is often discussed in relation to student health and wellness across colleges and universities. Just as important, but sometimes overlooked, are faculty, administrators, and staff who may be silently struggling with substance use or supporting loved ones who are.

When schedules are demanding and support systems may be limited, institutions can better support their workforce by offering comprehensive and stigma-free solutions related to SUD and recovery.

Understanding Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder is a chronic condition affecting millions of Americans.  It’s often characterized by the compulsive use of substances such as alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs despite harmful consequences, with impacts felt across all socioeconomic, professional, and educational backgrounds.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about one in eleven full-time workers struggles with SUD, and nearly 12 percent of U.S. adults live with someone in recovery. ¹

Why It Matters

Workplace cultures that reward overworking, multitasking, and perfectionism may add to the pressure.  In education specifically, faculty and staff may silently manage stress or avoid disclosing personal struggles out of fear for their careers or a desire to prioritize student health. Since academic institutions influence the broader community, unaddressed employee struggles can impact student experience, productivity, and retention.

Supporting recovery is more than a wellness initiative, it is a cultural responsibility and a strategic investment in employee wellbeing.

What Recovery-Supportive Workplaces Can Offer

Limitless options exist in supporting employees with substance use disorders or those who are caregivers for family and friends with similar challenges.  The most common is to provide programs that focus on this area, but perhaps even more important is to foster a culture that allows employees to take advantage of these programs and feel supported. 

Programs that should be considered include, but not be limited to, the following:

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

EAPs can provide free counseling, treatment referrals, and crisis support. Promoting awareness and confidentiality is essential to building trust in these services.

Recovery-Focused Benefits Platforms

Some employers partner with vendors to provide treatment matching, sobriety coaching, medication-assisted treatment, and caregiver resources.

Flexible Leave Policies

Non-punitive leave for treatment and recovery can make it easier for employees to seek help. Review existing policies to ensure they support behavioral health needs.

Caregiver Support

Employees supporting a loved one through addiction need resources, too. Solutions that offer navigation support, stress management, and mental health care can ease the burden.

Training for Managers and HR

Educating leadership on how to recognize signs of SUD and refer employees to resources ensures the first response is supportive, not disciplinary.

Campus Recovery Communities

Some colleges have launched employee recovery groups or partnered with local organizations like AA or NA to provide safe, supportive spaces.

Breaking the Stigma

Regardless of the programs implemented, the culture within your organization can directly impact success.  Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to seeking help. Misconceptions that SUD is a moral failing rather than a health condition prevent many from accessing support. This is especially true in academia, where self-sufficiency and achievement are often prioritized.

Using person-first language—such as “person with a substance use disorder” instead of “addict”—can help humanize and normalize these experiences. Institutions that model this language in policy and communication help shift the culture.

If this bias exists, it likely extends beyond SUD to all mental health or substance use concerns. Therefore, adopting a culture that actively works to break the stigma will help all employees.

1Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
2SAMHSA National Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
3Shatterproof Treatment Atlas: https://treatmentatlas.org