Alcohol and other drug problems are a costly reality for our community’s employers. A study commissioned by Face It! found that close to 20,000 adults in the Sioux Falls metropolitan area (Lincoln, Minnehaha, Turner and McCook counties) are abusing or dependent on alcohol or other drugs (illicit or prescription-type), or both. The study also suggests that nearly 85 percent of them are not getting the help they need.

Despite stereotypes, research indicates that the largest proportion of people struggling with these problems are employed. And human resource professionals agree that alcohol and other drug problems are a critical – and often unaddressed – challenge in the workplace:

• About 62 percent of the 20.6 million classified with substance dependence or abuse in 2006 were full-time workers.¹
• More than two-thirds (67 percent) of human resource professionals surveyed believe that substance abuse and addiction is one of the most serious issues they face in their company.²
• However, less than one-quarter (22 percent) of HR professionals say their companies openly and proactively deal with addiction issues.³

Learn more: Industry-specific fact sheets on workplace substance abuse

Explore this section to learn more about:

• Why Recovery is a Sound Business Investment
• What Employers Can Do to Support Recovery
• Frequently Asked Questions for Employers
• Tools For Employers
• The Basics (general information about drug and alcohol problems, treatment and recovery)

[1] National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2006, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

[2] Hazelden Foundation, National Survey of HR Professionals, 2007. Hazelden National HR Survey, 2007.

[3] Hazelden Foundation, National Survey of HR Professionals, 2007. Hazelden National HR Survey, 2007.