What is an Employee Assistance Program?
When someone is struggling with addiction, it can affect every part of life, including work.
Many employers understand how hard this journey can be, so they offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
EAPs are confidential services that connect workers and sometimes their families to helpful resources when facing difficult situations, like stress, mental health concerns, or substance abuse issues.
These programs can help employees handle problems before they seriously impact their work or personal life, giving them a safe space to ask for help without stigma or negative consequences at work.
If you or a loved one needs help, this option can help you get your life back on track.
Who is Eligible for Employee Assistance Program Treatment?
Employees Still in the Early Stages of Substance Use
People noticing their drinking or drug use is starting to get out of hand may be good candidates. EAPs provide a judgment-free, confidential entry point to help before serious consequences (such as job loss, accidents, or legal trouble) worsen.
This early intervention approach can catch problems so they’re easier to tackle and recover from. Receiving support before severe addiction sets in often means shorter, more effective treatment.
People Struggling with Stress, Work Pressure, or Burnout Alongside Substance Use
Employees using alcohol or drugs to cope with job demands may find an EAP helps address these problems.
Most EAP coordinators understand workplace stress and can provide resources that address all concerns, including counseling, workshops, or coping strategy sessions.
Individuals Worried About Professional Reputation
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are designed to protect your privacy at work. This is important for people concerned about being judged or hurting their reputation. Knowing that everything stays confidential can make it easier to get the help you need.
EAPs keep your information private while connecting you with skilled professionals. This level of discretion can help someone feel comfortable asking for support instead of waiting out of fear.
Those with Family Members Affected by Substance Use
Many employees are affected by addiction even if they aren’t the ones struggling. Sometimes it’s a spouse, partner, or child who is dealing with substance use.
When EAPs include support for families, they can help connect employees and their loved ones to important resources, like family therapy and counseling for substance abuse.
People Looking for Help Navigating Health Benefits or Community Resources
Figuring out insurance, finding a rehab center, and understanding plan coverage can be daunting. EAP counselors help guide you through your options, connecting you with the right providers and assisting with forms and paperwork when necessary.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, asking for help is a critical first step.
Why an EAP is Vital
Any company with employees affected by substance use can contact us to learn more about our EAP program. We offer flexible services that are tailored to fit your organization’s needs.
Most full-time employees are eligible for EAP services, and in some cases, part-time workers qualify (depending on the agreement made with us). As addiction impacts the entire family, Woodland Recovery Center and our sister facilities also support immediate family members living in the same home, such as spouses, partners, or children.
Some businesses also opt to extend EAP access to former employees or retirees for a short time as part of their severance packages.
Partnering with Woodland Recovery Center shows your dedication to your team’s well-being.
Our programs play a central role in the recovery process and are designed with professionals in mind.
Call us anytime, day or night, to learn more.
Services Offered Through Woodland Recovery Center
Companies that work with Bradford Health for substance use and mental health support give their employees access to valuable benefits. These include:
- Free training sessions (available online or in person)
- Education programs about substance use
- Support through partnerships with your company, workforce, and community
- Proven, effective treatment at every stage of recovery
These services are designed to make a real difference in the lives of employees and the people around them.
Services Offered Outside Treatment
Financial and Legal Services
Addiction can lead to financial strain and legal issues.
When an employee starts the program, they receive a complimentary consultation with one of our compassionate care coordinators. We address topics like budgeting, debt, employee rights, and the best way to move forward with treatment for mental health and substance use.
Facilities Nearby
EAP programs from Bradford Health’s sister facilities offer direct support through addiction education, assessments, and short-term counseling for people dealing with substance use.
We also help connect employees to nearby treatment centers that offer detox, inpatient care, outpatient services, or extended care based on their needs. Our programs are available in several states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas.
Mental Health Counseling Services
Therapy and counseling sessions can support people dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, or stress at work.
Our expert medical team works with employees to build healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions with a variety of therapy options that promote long-term recovery.
EAP Advantages with Woodland Recovery Center
Many employees who use EAP services find it easier to focus and get more done. Research shows that most people experience a noticeable boost in productivity after contacting us for support.
Improved Mental Health
EAP counseling often leads to better emotional well-being. Many employees report feeling less depressed after using the program.
Reduced Alcohol Risks
EAP programs can greatly lower high-risk drinking among workers. Rates have dropped from 30 percent to just 3 percent for employees who sought help. Most of those who entered the program for alcohol issues were later considered low risk.
Fewer Missed Workdays
Employees who utilize EAP services tend to miss fewer days of work. Addressing these challenges early leads to fewer missed workdays and increased productivity on the job. Workplace wellness and recovery programs reduce related costs by 30 to 40 percent, saving an average of $5,156 per employee in productivity losses. For many businesses, the yearly cost of an employee with a substance use disorder is about $3,440. When combined with conditions like depression, that number can rise to approximately $12,890 per employee. This underscores the importance of implementing workplace wellness programs to support employees.
How to Recognize Addiction in Professionals
Recognizing addiction in professionals can be a challenge because most individuals tend to hide their addiction. For many, admitting they have a substance use disorder could mean the end of their career. To prevent this, they may go to great lengths to conceal the issue.
However, some of the signs you can use to recognize addictions in professionals include:
- Frequent job changes
- Falling asleep while on the job
- Change in hygeine or appearance
- Increase in sick days or time off
- Anxious about working long hours
- Small pupils
- Extreme financial stress
- Excessive use of gum or breath mints to mask the smell of alcohol
If you notice these signs, you should immediately help them seek addiction treatment for professionals, as this can be the beginning of a downward spiral.
Effects of Addiction in a Professional’s Life
Addiction can distract you from your job and make it harder to focus on your goals. It also creates distance between you and the people you care about. When substance use takes over, it often becomes the main priority. This can make it easy to lose sight of loved ones, including close family.
As this pattern continues, relationships begin to suffer. In the workplace, addiction can put others in danger. For example, a pilot under the influence puts every passenger at risk each time they fly.
The longer substance use continues, the greater the risk of catastrophe.
Laws and Programs That Protect Employees During Addiction Treatment
Employees who choose to attend addiction treatment are often protected by federal and state laws, as well as workplace policies, that help prevent unfair termination. Understanding these protections can make it easier to feel confident about seeking addiction and mental health support.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year to manage serious health conditions, including treatment for addiction or mental health issues.
You may need to use vacation time or take unpaid leave, but your employer cannot fire you for using FMLA to attend treatment. To qualify, you must work for a company with at least 50 employees and have been employed there for at least 12 months.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects workers with disabilities, including people in recovery from drugs or alcohol. If you’re getting treatment and not using illegal drugs at work, the ADA typically prohibits your employer from firing you or treating you unfairly just because you are getting help.
The law also says employers must make “reasonable changes” to support your recovery when possible. For example, they might let you go to treatment during your lunch break. However, if it causes serious problems for the business, they don’t have to make those changes.
These protections don’t cover you if you are still using illegal drugs at work. Employers can still test for drugs and enforce drug-free workplace rules. They can also decide not to hire or keep someone who is actively using.
Laws like the ADA and FMLA make it safer for employees to ask for help without worrying about losing their job.
