Opioids podcast episode

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is reported “Abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is very costly to our Nation, which has led to over $700 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.” In addition to its complex and painful effects on the employee and their loved ones, addiction can affect their work experience. For example, prescription medication disorders and other substance addictions may interfere with an employee’s ability to perform their work safely and potentially increase the risk for injury and accidents, as well as an increase in absenteeism, job turnover, and presenteeism. Occupational health and safety outcomes for employees with addiction are further impacted by the ability of the workplace to accommodate and appropriately address the employee’s related mental health needs. Overall, substance use disorders play an integral role on employee safety, health, and well-being.

In anticipation for our upcoming Spring Symposia, we want to highlight a talk from one of our 2019 Fall Symposia speakers, Dr. Casey Chosewood, the Director of the Office for Total Worker Health® at the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Dr. Chosewood gives an update on the nation’s opioid overdose epidemic from CDC/NIOSH.

Millions of Americans have or know someone with substance use disorder, help is available. Visit NIOSH’S Opioids in the Workplace page or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for resources to help both individuals and workplaces.

To register for our upcoming virtual 2020 Spring Symposia on Friday, May 29, 2020 on the topic, “Workplace Aggression: Preventing relational aggression and bullying – a deeper dive” or to stream previous symposia recordings, visit: bit.ly/342MIt5.

Where can I listen to “Nation’s Opioid Epidemic” podcast episode? 

• Listen and subscribe on Soundcloud or download the Soundcloud app for your Apple iOS or Android device and search “OccHealthSci”

• Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, and search “OccHealthSci”

• Listen and subscribe through Google Play

Previous podcast episodes include: Positive workplace culture, toxicology, parental leave, Total Worker Health®, epigenetics and more. Enjoy listening to What’s Work Got To Do With It? podcast? Please leave us a review and subscribe to our podcast channel.