How Your Employee Assistance Program Can Help With Substance Use and Mental Health

Practical Support In A Time of Need

When You Don’t Know Where To Turn, The Answers May Be Right In Front of You

Maybe you know you need help with substance use or mental health, or you just want to talk. Wherever you are on your journey, several helpful resources may be available through your employer’s EAP. The Last Resort is happy to provide clarity, answer any questions, and walk you through the pre-treatment process.

What Is An EAP?

An EAP is an Employee Assistance Program that is offered by most employers to bridge the gap between employees and valuable resources. Resources could be for physical health, substance use disorder, trauma, mental health, behavioral health, abuse, financial issues, grief, social issues, and anger or stress management. Assistance ranges from education and planning to counseling and treatment.

Official data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that 70% of those with an alcohol or substance use disorder are employed.[1] The workplace is an ideal environment to offer solutions for what is clearly a prevalent happening.

By offering an EAP, employers not only allow employees to take care of themselves but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient workforce. The support it provides helps you feel more empowered to seek help, fostering a workplace culture that values and prioritizes employee well-being.

Types of EAPs

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are several different types of EAP programs, including: [2]

Talk to your employer to determine what type of EAP you have and what services it provides resources for.

How An EAP Works

An EAP offers easy access to specialized care that your employer has already selected and vetted. In many cases, these services are free; in every case, services are confidential for your safety and peace of mind.

EAP services may include in-person treatment, telehealth, counseling, outside referrals, follow-up care, substance use treatment, mental health services, and more. After initial connections are made, your provider will create a plan with you to either continue short-term care or seek outside services for long-term care. They will keep in touch with you and manage any follow-up that may be needed.

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Take Advantage of Your EAP For Treatment at The Last Resort

Reach out to the EAP provider through your Human Resources contact. This information may also be available in an employee handbook. Once you’re connected to the right provider, they’ll walk you through treatment services and potential costs. 

Depending on your unique situation, they may recommend specialized services, like The Last Resort, to ensure you get the best possible care designed to give you the best chance of success. The Last Resort is also an in-network provider with many major insurance carriers, making essential care more accessible.

[1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 30). Workplace-supported recovery. NIOSH Science Blog. Retrieved May 22, 2024, from https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2022/11/30/workplace-supported-recovery/

[2]Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Provide support: Employer resources. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/employer-resources/provide-support