Employees struggling with alcohol and drug addiction is not uncommon in the workplace. Some find it difficult to concentrate and stay productive at work because their problems are ongoing. However, one option to consider is learning what is EAP and the benefits of their programs.
Employee Assistance Programs, or EAPs, provide benefits for the person battling to overcome an addiction without losing their job.
What is EAP for Employee Addiction?
An addiction to drugs or alcohol can affect how a person performs at work. In fact, their productivity may suffer drastically. Addiction impairs a person’s physical and cognitive health over time. Eventually, this can lead to missed days and a decrease in overall job performance.
Employment Assistance Programs are available to help employees deal with personal issues that affect job performance. Some employees may feel that talking to their employer about a drug or alcohol addiction threatens their job security. However, it is likely to have the opposite effect with an EAP.
This program is designed to help employees with problems in the workplace. Moreover, representatives meet with employees to match solutions with needs. Whether decreasing absenteeism or workplace accident rates, employers can reduce overall operational costs while helping employees through a difficult time.
What is an EAP Assessment?
If a person needs a leave of absence to deal with a substance addiction, going through an EAP assessment can work in their favor. Typically, a manager or supervisor refers the employee to the program for an assessment.
A representative of the program assesses the employee’s situation. However, it might take more than one session. In some cases, the plan incorporates the person’s work schedule and responsibilities.
What is EAP Protecting Under Federal Employment Laws?
The Adults with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees with known disabilities from discrimination by their employers. Since alcohol addiction is now classified as a medical condition, anyone struggling with an addiction to alcohol is protected.
Moreover, this law ensures that an EAP helps employees deal with their alcohol problems. The same provisions do not currently cover drug addiction problems. However, some help may apply if an employee has stopped using or has another disabling condition.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can also help employees trying to overcome an addiction. FMLA provisions allow employees recovering from drugs or an alcohol addiction to request a leave of absence to seek help.
Ashley Addiction Treatment Supports Your Desire to Live and Work Addiction-Free
Healthy and well-balanced employees are more productive and less likely to miss work days. Ashley Addiction Treatment is one of many rehabilitation centers in MD that works with EAPs to maintain that balance in the workplace.
We offer a host of addiction treatment programs and amenities to help employees return to work happier. For example, some amenities include:
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Personal trainers
- Dietary team
Don’t let a drug or alcohol addiction control your work or personal life. Learn more about us and how you can overcome. Contact us at 866-313-6307 to start your recovery journey today.