Pandemic-Related Stress + Isolation = Increased Misuse Of Alcohol And Drugs
By Pauline Krutilla, MS, CEAP
When COVID-19 lockdowns began more than two years ago, millions of employees quickly transitioned to work from home, often working in close proximity with family members, partners and roommates. These new living and working arrangements led to increased levels of stress, anxiety, isolation and depression for many employees. The potential for alcohol and drug abuse also spiked — even among people who had never had a substance-abuse problem before the pandemic.
Studies showed that approximately one-third of people in this country who drank alcohol increased their consumption at the start of the pandemic. Similar increases hold true for those who reported drug usage. Of particular concern is the rise of opioid addiction and related deaths. Between April 2020 and April 2021, fatalities related to substance abuse reached a 12-month all- time high — 100,000 people — according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Amid the pandemic, mental health and substance-abuse disorders increased, including using alcohol and recreational drugs during the workday. Many of these habits continue today.
Working remotely, more employees felt stressed and isolated from coworkers and their social support system, and some turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. This perfect storm resulted in an uptick in serious substance abuse issues and this trend continues to affect the workplace today.
A Self-Medication Nation Survey1 sponsored by an addiction treatment center (Sierra Tucson) revealed that:
• 25 percent of respondents had participated in a Zoom or Microsoft Teams work call while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other recreational drugs.
• One in five admitted they’ve used alcohol, marijuana or other drugs while employed remotely; 73 percent of those said if their employer would insist they return to the office, they would miss the opportunity to use marijuana and other drugs during the workday.
• More than one-quarter of respondents said an added “benefit” of working from home was the opportunity to use alcohol and other drugs during the workday.
How can employers address this lingering problem?
Most companies now offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many organizations reported increased usage of their EAP during the pandemic, yet some employees are still unaware of how the EAP could help them. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are a great resource to access resources to address almost any challenge someone may be facing. Human Resource leaders are encouraged to periodically remind employees about this valuable resource.
If an employee is struggling with stress, anxiety or substance use, please encourage that person to access the EAP, assuring them that these services are completely confidential. Employees can get the help they need without worrying that their employers will know that they have reached out for professional assistance. EAP assistance is available through phone access 24/7, along with a limited number of free sessions with a mental health professional and referrals to therapists and other community resources.
Newer treatment options eliminate barriers
In the past, employees may have avoided seeking professional help because of some perceived stigma associated with mental health and addiction treatment. Newer telehealth treatment options help remove some barriers to treatment, including finding the time for treatment.
Advocate Aurora’s own EAP offers various counseling options include telephonic, in-person or virtual telehealth video counseling. People can arrange to seek and receive treatment from the privacy of their home and at different times of the day. This consumer-friendly option reduces a major barrier for many employees who need help. When employees select virtual counseling, we recommend they have a secure place at home or at work to talk privately. We suggest taking the call in a room with a door that closes and using headphones, if needed, so the person can focus on the call — and on themself.
Bringing the topic of mental health to the forefront
Now is an opportune time for employers to develop strategies and openly address the topic of mental health challenges with their workforce. This includes:
• educating employees and leaders about the value of managing stress, anxiety and depression
• eliminating any stigma or repercussions associated with seeking help
• reminding employees about the EAP and improving access to these supportive services
1https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/substance-abuse-got-worse-amid-pandemic-and-remote-work.aspx
Pauline Krutilla, MS, CEAP, Director of EAP at Advocate Aurora Health, is available to talk about what makes an effective Employee Assistance Program, and what every employer needs to know. If you are interested in learning more about mental health, wellbeing and employee resilience, contact Advocate Aurora Employer Solutions at employersolutions.aah.org.
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