How an EAP Can Help You Get Addiction Treatment

What is an Employee Assistance Program?

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are various types of services offered to workers to help them deal with various health and personal issues. The programs are designed to help employees whose addictions or mental health disorders are interfering with their jobs. EAPs main goal is for employers to help their employees get treatment without the possibility of losing their job. Many people do not get the desperate help they need out of fear of losing employment. Drug and alcohol use can greatly impact work productivity and increase absenteeism and health-related issues. Many corporations and companies have an employee assistance program that offers services for the following concerns:

Mental health issues, including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety
Substance abuse issues
Conflicts or abuse in the workplace
Family and medical leave
Legal concerns
Financial struggles
Elder care issues
Marital and family problems
Grief and loss

Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.

How EAPs Work

Employee assistance programs help employees suffering from addiction or other personal problems affecting work performance. It can be scary talking to your employer about the issues affecting your work, however, an outside employee assistance representative can be easier to talk to because their goal is to help you find a treatment program and keep your job. If you are having difficulty with any of these issues and it is affecting your job performance, reach out to your employee assistance program and a case manager will conduct an EAP assessment to develop a treatment plan with you. They can refer you to the right drug and alcohol rehab, treatment program, or other services that meet your needs and communicate with your employer about those needs to protect your employees while maintaining your privacy. Several of these programs can also help your family members.

Will Your Job Let You Go to Rehab?

There are several job protections under federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA. This act prohibits your employer from discriminating against your due to mental health disorders and medical issues, including drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Your EAP case manager will guide you through its coverage and ADA protections.

How to Help Someone Who Has an Addiction Problem

Watching someone you love battle with substance abuse can be extremely distressing and take a toll on your own mental health. There are several ways you can help them to overcome alcohol and drug addiction. Starting the conversation about their drug or alcohol abuse can be difficult, but it is important to talk to them as soon as possible. It is important to remember drug and alcohol addiction is a disease and you should come from a place of compassion. Express your concerns honestly, listen, and offer them information on how to address their drug addiction. Be prepared for denial and don’t expect a single conversation to fix the problem. You can also stage an intervention if talking does not work and can help them truly see the negative impacts their addiction is having.

How Union First Can Help You Get Addiction Treatment Without Losing Your Job

Union First is an employee assistance program for union workers. We provide several resources, expertise, and action for our union members including protecting your employment while you receive treatment. Our employee assistance representative manages your case individually to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about addiction treatment and behavioral therapy, from inpatient residential treatment to outpatient treatment rehab centers. Union First can help place you in the right treatment program based on your individual needs. Your job is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA however many union members are unaware of their rights. We will advocate and fight for your rights to keep your employment status so you have no fear of losing your job. If you are seeking treatment for addiction or behavioral therapy, please give us a call to help you get the right treatment program and protect your job.