How can employers help support employees?

First and foremost, confidentiality is vital for employees to feel safe enough to seek help. Educating and training managers to recognize what employees are dealing with and how to support those employees in making healthy choices is also helpful. Many employers across industries face a dilemma of how best to help team members who may be struggling with drug addiction. For companies that offer flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) benefits, employers can reach out to their employees and share what types of help are covered. Knowing which resources exist and that one's employer cares can be some of the first steps to recovery.  Discuss what specific areas of drug addiction treatment are eligible under these benefits and how to best communicate with employees about this rather sensitive information.

Utilize FSA, HRA, HSA for out-of-pocket expenses

If an employee is struggling with alcohol addiction, their FSA, HSA, or HRA can help. Recovery center visits are eligible, often including meals and lodging. Membership in Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as transportation to and from meetings, also qualifies. The approved expenses for drug addiction are similar to those for alcohol, and medical expenses at an inpatient drug addiction center are allowed. Using an HSA or FSA to cover meals and lodging related to the inpatient treatment is also allowed. However, reimbursement for drug overdose treatment is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Medical plans

Health plan benefits are designed to make health care affordable and accessible, and there's no stigma in asking for help. People with addictions should use their coverage and benefits to the fullest to get the care they need. Talking to plan administrators is a great place to start, see what your current plan covers, and work with at-risk employees.

EAP programs

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based program that provides free, confidential assessments, counseling, and referrals for employees. An EAP can give employees a safe, confidential space to discuss SUD. Most EAPs have a hotline available 24/7, and they can take care of the legwork for the employee, including medical care, counseling, and peer support.

Other resources for employees

Faces and Voices of Recovery is a resource for individuals in long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and provides additional support for their family, friends, and community.

Familydoctor.org provides a guide to treatment options ranging from inpatient and residential to intensive outpatient, sober living, and support groups.

National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers is a public directory of licensed addiction service providers.

Shatterproof shares information on where to get help in a crisis and resources for aftercare or post-treatment support.

National Institute of Drug Abuse for Teens is where teens can find help and has suggestions for parents looking for treatment for their child.

Center on Addiction offers science-based support and guidance on various topics, such as creating a treatment plan for parents and caregivers.

Family Resource Center is a nonprofit helpline and directory of guides and videos to help parents and adults address SUD in adolescents.

When working with an employee battling SUD, it is essential to provide a safe space for communication and confidentiality to enable and encourage using these resources. If you are aware of an employee who needs help or is at risk, consider the overall experience with the employee and how the SUD affected the company, the workplace, and others. Treat SUD like any other disease and act accordingly. If the employee is willing to seek help, let them know what options are covered and create a plan to get the employee back on track in their work environment.

Becky Seefeldt is vice president of strategy at Benefit Resource LLC (BRI), a leading provider of dedicated pre-tax account administration and COBRA services nationwide.