September is National Recovery Month

Supporting Recovery in the WorkplaceRecovery is possible. Recovery is happening. Workplaces can make a difference.

Each September, National Recovery Month recognizes the millions of Americans living in recovery from substance use and mental health conditions. It is also an opportunity for employers to help reduce stigma, encourage conversations, and create workplaces where employees feel supported in seeking help before a crisis occurs. As an employer, you have tremendous influence on the health and well-being of your workforce. A supportive workplace doesn't just benefit employees—it strengthens safety, improves productivity, increases retention, and builds a healthier organizational culture.

Substance use disorders affect every industry, occupation, and community. Chances are, someone on your team, or someone they love, has been impacted.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

• More than 48 million Americans aged 12 or older experienced a substance use disorder in the past year.

• Millions more are living in recovery and successfully contributing to their families, workplaces, and communities.

• Recovery is supported by hope, treatment, peer support, and healthy environments—including the workplace.

When employers foster understanding instead of stigma, employees are more likely to seek help early, reducing the likelihood of accidents, absenteeism, turnover, and costly workplace incidents.

Recovery and Drug-Free Workplaces Go Hand-in-Hand

Supporting recovery does not mean compromising workplace safety.

In fact, effective Drug-Free Workplace Programs balance:

• Clear policies and expectations

• Employee education

• Supervisor training

• Access to treatment resources

• Fair and consistent accountability

• Opportunities for employees to receive help

Recovery-friendly employers understand that protecting workplace safety and supporting employees are complementary—not competing—goals.

Five Ways Employers Can Participate During Recovery Month

1. Start the Conversation

Use Recovery Month to remind employees that help is available.

Simple messages such as: "Recovery is possible. If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available." can help reduce stigma and encourage employees to seek assistance.

2. Review Your Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Recovery Month is an excellent time to ensure your policy is:

• Current with state and federal laws

• Clearly outlines expectations

• Includes reasonable suspicion procedures

• References available employee resources

• Communicates consequences consistently and fairly

  
  

3. Train Supervisors

Supervisors are often the first to recognize changes in employee behavior.

Annual training helps supervisors:

• Recognize signs of possible impairment

• Respond appropriately

• Document observations

• Protect employee privacy

• Follow company policy consistently

  
  

4. Promote Available Resources

Many employees simply don't know where to turn.

Consider sharing:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) information

• Local treatment resources

• Recovery support organizations

• Crisis hotline information

• Mental health resources

One reminder could change someone's life.

5. Celebrate Recovery

Recovery stories inspire hope.

Recognize Recovery Month by:

• Sharing educational content

• Posting recovery facts on social media

• Hosting a wellness event

• Providing educational resources

• Encouraging kindness and understanding

  
  

Recovery-friendly workplaces often experience:

• Improved employee morale

• Increased productivity

• Lower absenteeism

• Reduced turnover

• Safer work environments

• Stronger employee engagement

• Better retention of experienced workers

Employees who feel supported are more likely to ask for help before problems become workplace crises.

FREE Recovery Resources from SAMHSA

SAMHSA provides free resources to help employers, employees, and families understand recovery and connect with support services.

Helpful resources include:

• National Recovery Month Toolkit

• Recovery educational materials

• Treatment locator

• Recovery support information

• Employer resources

Visit:

National Recovery Month Toolkit: https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month

Find Treatment: https://findtreatment.gov

At Working Partners®, we believe every employer can create a workplace that is both safe and supportive. Our Drug-Free Workplace Programs help employers:

• Develop legally compliant workplace policies

• Provide supervisor training

• Deliver employee education

• Access trusted drug and alcohol testing services

• Connect with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

• Receive unlimited program guidance through our consortium membership

Recovery-friendly workplaces don't happen by accident—they are built through education, leadership, consistency, and compassion. This National Recovery Month, take the opportunity to review your workplace program, educate your team, and remind employees that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Recovery is real. Recovery is possible. And together, we can help create workplaces where people can thrive.

Need help strengthening your Drug-Free Workplace Program? Contact Working Partners® to learn how we can help your organization build a safer, healthier, and recovery-supportive workplace.

Trusted. Proven. Compliant.