Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life, including people who are employed.

A 2005 survey indicate that more than 69 percent of employed people would negatively affect their ability to concentrate and be productive at work if a family member were struggling with abuse or addiction.

Substance use disorders also affect coworkers and other close associates.

Everyone in a business, from upper management to entry-level staff, is affected when someone has a substance use disorder.

Substance use disorders are estimated to cost American businesses approximately $81 billion in lost productivity each year. Alcoholism is estimated to cause 500 million lost workdays annually.

Fortunately, treatment can be particularly beneficial, both for employees and their employers.

Like other chronic disorders, substance use disorders are medical conditions that can be treated. Additionally, treatment for substance use disorders has substantial benefits for businesses.

Reported job problems, including incomplete work, absenteeism, tardiness, work-related injuries, mistakes and disagreements with supervisors, are cut by an average of 75 percent among employees who have received treatment for substance use disorders.

At SMMHC’s Alcohol & Drug Office, we have solutions for problems with substance abuse and anger. For more information contact: Carolene Britt, LAC, CADC, 200 S. Wall St., Natchez, MS 39121, 601-446-6634.

Carolene Britt is an outreach counselor at Southwest Mississippi Mental Health.