Resources to Prevent Substance Use and Support Recovery
There are clear steps we can all take to reduce the impact of substance use and decrease the risks of overdoses. Access free resources in our updated digital toolkit.
It's Good Business to Prevent Substance Use and Support Recovery
Employees are the most valuable assets for any business. In the building industry, your architects, engineers, laborers, operators, and foremen create the structures that your customers buy.
It's more important than ever to retain good staff. That means supporting them through treatment and recovery from substance use disorders. When you create a workplace that focuses on prevention and supports people who are in recovery, it has a positive impact on the bottom line.
Access free resources that can help you reduce the impact of substance use and decrease the risks of overdose for your employees.
The Risks of Substance Use Affects All Building Industry Businesses
Substance use is a serious public health issue. All building industry CEOs, executives, and employees should be aware of the risks and take action steps to stay safe.
- 9% of working adults in the U.S. have a substance use disorder
- 14.3% of construction workers who had a substance use disorder in the past year, second highest in any industry
- 75% of adults with substance use disorders are in the U.S. workforce
- 40.3 MILLION people aged 12+ had substance use disorders in the past year
- National Safety Council
- The CBHSQ Report. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); April 2015. Retrieved from: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_1959/ShortReport-1959.pdf
- Goplerud E, Hodge S, Benham T. A Substance Use Cost Calculator for US Employers With an Emphasis on Prescription Pain Medication Misuse. J Occup Environ Med. 2017;59(11):1063-1071. doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000001157
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP21-07-01-003, NSDUH Series H-56). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
Prevention and Recovery is a Good Business Strategy
There are valuable business reasons to prevent substance use, avoid the risks of overdose, and support employees in recovery.
- Employees in recovery miss 14 fewer days of work each year
- Each employee in recovery saves a company an average of $8,500 annually
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Get updates on new toolkids, materials, events, and more.
Make Sure Employees Know Where to Find Help
Provide Information that employees can use to find help if they need it.
- 2-1-1 Dial 2-1-1
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988
- SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline (800) 950-NAMI (6264)
- Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (800) 563-4086
Lead a Workplace Training on Substance Use
Use our Change the Script PowerPoint slides to educate your workforce and raise awareness.
Get the FileChange the Script PSA
Watch and share this video to raise awareness for prevention best practices.
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Free Materials
Order pamphlets, posters, flyers, medication disposal pouches, and more.
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Digital Toolkit
Download customizable social media graphics, flyers, billboards, videos, and other materials.
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Resource Van
Schedule the Change the Script van to appear at a community event, business, or school.
Evidence-Based Resources from Trusted Sources
In addition to the Change the Script toolkit materials, use these trusted sources to find more information on prevention and recovery.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Find tons of data, links, resources, and downloads on preventing overdoses.
- CPWR – Center for Construction Research and Training An array of links and resources on opioid misuse and prevention for building industry businesses.
- National Association of Home Builders Resources and education to help building industry organizations prevent opioid misuse.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Guidance to help workers and employers promote safety around substance use in the workplace.
- National Recovery Month An array of information and resources that help us all support people in recovery.
- National Safety Council This cost calculator helps you understand how substance use impacts your business.
- NORA A free app from the CT Department of Public Health to prevent, treat, and report overdoses.
- North America's Building Trades Unions Resources and links on opioid statistics, misuse, prevention, and recovery.
- Operation Prevention A toolkit to help businesses understand and prevent opioid misuse.
- Recovery Friendly Workplace A Connecticut initiative that offers tools and resources to guide you on how to create a recovery friendly workplace.
- Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration An interactive guide for employers to identify and prevent substance misuse in the workplace.
Video Resources
Watch these videos that highlight important messages about the building industry.
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CPWR – Center for Construction Research and Training
A video with building industry leaders on issues around mental health and substance use.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Learn about the concept of Workplace Supported Recovery and how it supports prevention.
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HUB International
Detailed guidance on a range of legal, policy, and workplace issues around substance use in the building industry.
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Opioids in the Construction Industry
A powerful three-part video series with leaders and frontline employees in the building industry.