223 - Navigating Substance Use and Addiction in Occupational Health: Recognition, Treatment and Recovery Support

Substance use disorders (SUDs) continue to be a significant challenge in the American workforce, with over 70% of individuals suffering from SUDs being actively employed. This session will provide occupational health clinicians with essential knowledge and skills to address SUDs in the workplace effectively. We will begin by examining the current landscape of SUDs in the U.S. workforce, including post-pandemic trends. The discussion will then focus on the multifaceted impact of SUDs on workplace safety, productivity, and healthcare costs. The core of the session will equip clinicians with practical strategies for diagnosing and initiating treatment for commonly misused substances, emphasizing how occupational medicine practitioners can provide initial stabilization and treatment plans without an immediate specialist referral. By the end of this session, participants will be better prepared to recognize, address, and support workers struggling with SUDs, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.