National Recovery Month is observed each September. The purpose of the celebration is to recognize people recovering from substance use and mental health disorders and the communities that support them.
Because many adults spend a significant portion of their time at work, the workplace can play an important role in helping people in recovery feel respected, supported and able to succeed. If an employee asks for help entering treatment, the workplace can play an important role in supporting them.
Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, leading to reaching important life goals and full potential. The path is different for everyone. The focus may include professional treatment, such as psychiatry, counseling, a recovery program and medication. Other important resources include peer support, community meetings and lifestyle changes.
Creating a recovery-supportive workplace
Supporting recovery does not require co-workers or managers to serve as counselors. It begins with building a culture of compassion, respect and trust.
Employers and team members can help by:
- Using respectful, person-first language and avoiding stigmatizing labels.
- Respecting privacy and allowing employees to decide when and whether to share personal information.
- Making employees aware of available mental health, substance use and employee assistance resources.
- Encouraging people to seek help without fear of judgment.
- Supporting healthy boundaries and reasonable flexibility when appropriate.
- Responding to concerns with empathy while maintaining appropriate workplace expectations.
Language matters. Substance use disorders and mental health conditions are health conditions, not signs of poor character or a lack of willpower. Casual jokes, assumptions and negative labels can discourage someone from asking for help.
If a co-worker chooses to share that they are in recovery, listen without judgment. A simple response such as, “Thank you for trusting me,” or “How can I best support you?” allows the individual to guide the conversation.
Help is available
Northside Hospital Behavioral Health offers services for adults ages 18 and older through an integrative approach focused on health and overall well-being.
Northside’s multidisciplinary team includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses and other clinicians.
For more information about Northside Hospital Behavioral Health services, call 404-851-8960 today.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES AT NORTHSIDE.
