Stop the Stigma of SUDs at Work

I am not in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD). But an awful lot of my loved ones and colleagues are. So when people say unkind things to me about people with SUDs, which happens more often than I’d hope, I’m not personally offended. But it’s darn close.?

Of course, if you’ve never had a close relationship with someone struggling with an SUD, you’re likely to feel quite justified in saying those things. That’s because people actively struggling with SUDs can create overwhelming chaos, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. If your relationship with such a person isn’t deep, frankly, you don’t care why they do it. I don’t blame you, but it’s in everyone’s interest to learn more about SUDs. Here’s why.

The reality is that these folks are battling mental health disorders. In fact, they are typically battling a combination of two disorders: a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Research shows that, long story/short, people with SUDs are self-medicating a mental health disorder with their substance use. When they start doing so, it typically helps them manage their mental health disorder, but the relief is temporary. Eventually, the substances create their own problems. In our field, we call this a “dual diagnosis”, and what we do in response is “treat the whole person”, not just their SUD. Just treating the SUD is metaphorically just putting a band-aid on a wound without treating the underlying “infection”, its root cause.?

What’s the first reason to care about SUDs? It’s a big problem. Depending on how you want to cut it, anywhere from 7% to 15% of people in the U.S. qualify as having a substance use disorder. At this scale, which is at least 20 million Americans, most of us have met someone struggling with an SUD. Believe it or not, we often have no idea that the person we met is struggling. You might wonder how it’s possible, given the overwhelming chaos described above, that you would not know someone is struggling with an SUD? Because the self-medication works - for a while. People struggle with SUDs for years, sometimes decades, before that chaos overwhelms them. But before that happens, people with SUDs often look nothing like the ugly stereotype. In fact, they often are functioning people who are your neighbors, your friends, or your co-workers.?

Did you know that 10% of corporate executives struggle with an SUD? And that fewer than 20% of people with SUDs get any help? Why is that? Because people are ashamed of their mental health struggles. They’re afraid that the stigma of SUDs and mental illness will damage their careers and lose them friends. Sadly, they are often right in their fears. Stigma makes the already difficult problem of mental health disorder-driven SUDs even worse. Because stigma stops people from getting help.

Recovery works, and that's the real tragedy of stigma keeping people from getting help. Did you know that there are 25 million Americans in long-term recovery from SUDs today? A big number, but there could be many more if only more people with SUDs were willing to seek help. When people put in the hard work to achieve recovery, everything gets better: their health, their social relationships, their family lives, and their careers. In fact, our research at Lionrock indicates that people in recovery are more likely to be high achievers at work than people who’ve never had an SUD. And, my friends, that is why it’s so important to Stop the Stigma of SUDs at Work.

Thankfully, there are many small things we can do in the corporate world to reduce the stigma of SUDs at work. And there is one silver bullet, but using it requires courage. If people in long-term recovery who have achieved corporate positions of power and respect are willing to speak publicly about their recovery, we will see the start of big changes. Their leadership will reduce shame and embolden people struggling with SUDs to reach out for the help they need at a rate greater than the current 20%. People already in recovery will feel less shame and anxiety at work, knowing that they’re supported as who they are. This will almost undoubtedly lead to higher rates of productivity. Management and shareholders will benefit from both these groups being better understood. Even people who don’t struggle with mental illness will be better off: they’ll be inspired by their colleague in recovery’s considerable achievement of defeating an SUD.?

I know that asking corporate executives in recovery to “come out” is a radical request. I am certainly not suggesting that anyone be forced to reveal their status. Not at all. I know that not everyone is willing to risk it, and that it is a personal choice. But what we need is to get the ball rolling. A few brave souls who will step forward and lead this transition.

That is why the theme of this year's National Online Recovery Day (observed on September 22) is “Stop the Stigma of SUDs at Work”. We are calling on people in positions of influence, to let the people around them know that they are in recovery. American society needs to know that there are many people in positions of respect who’ve overcome a substance problem.?

People in recovery already know about courage. They had to muster the courage to change their lives, to face their fears and troubles, and overcome them. In fact, you can hear a variety of inspiring stories of people who did just that on The Courage to Change, A Recovery Podcast hosted by Ashley Loeb Blassingame, available here . The stories Ashley presents will amaze you. Once you’re inspired, please go to our National Online Recovery Day website at www.nationalonlinerecoveryday.com and check out all the ways to get involved.?

Lionrock created and hosts National Online Recovery Day, during National Recovery Month, hosted by the federal agency SAMHSA, because we know that getting help online is a great way to fight shame and stigma. Accessing the most private way to get help means that no one else has to know - until you’re ready to tell them! And at Lionrock, we treat the whole person.

The world works better when people in recovery don't have to hide in the shadows. We know because Lionrock is full of people in long-term recovery and they are indeed many of our most productive colleagues. Please, this year, let’s commit to stopping the stigma of SUDs at work. It will be better for everyone.