SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION MONTH
Supporting prevention, recovery, and well-being in the workplace
Each October, Substance Use Prevention Month raises awareness about the impacts of substance use and advances to solutions that create healthier communities. For employers and health plans, this month is an opportunity to explore strategies that support prevention, reduce risk, and create workplace environments where employees can access care without stigma.
Why prevention matters for organizations
Most people struggling with substance use won’t ask for help. The gap between need and action costs employers thousands per employee each year. Workplace prevention means making support proactive, accessible, and built into the culture.
48.5M
people aged 12+ in the U.S. have a SUD
$15k+
average cost of untreated SUD, per affected employee
11%
of people aged 18-25 with a SUD ever receive treatment
95%
of adults with a SUD do not believe they need treatment
Prevention in practice
Explore what prevention really means, how to prepare your organization to respond, and how the right workplace approach reduces costs, improves outcomes, and creates environments where employees can access support before a crisis.
Real results from real organizations
Hear from Tammy Fennessy, Director of Benefits at Dick’s Sporting Goods, on why getting upstream of substance use challenges is critical for both employees and employers
A proven way to lower healthcare costs
Specialized substance use care delivers $6,758 in savings per engaged member and a 4.5:1 ROI
Myths vs. facts
Outdated assumptions about substance use can keep organizations from taking action. Here are a few facts to guide your approach.
Prevention is only for young people
Risk and protective factors exist at every life stage. 95% of adults with SUDs don't believe they need treatment, making workplace prevention essential for employees of all ages.
Substance use is only a concern in certain industries
Substance use impacts workforces across all industries. From healthcare to tech to finance, untreated substance use drives higher claims, lost productivity, and absenteeism.
Employees will self identify when they need help
75% of people with substance use needs believe they should handle it on their own. Effective prevention requires proactive outreach, accessible resources, and stigma-free environments.
EAPs already cover substance use support
While EAPs provide important support, they often lack specialized expertise in substance use treatment. Dedicated programs offer evidence-based care designed specifically for substance use challenges, with measurably better engagement and outcomes.
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