Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about dealing with substance use in the workplace and how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can help your loved one get the support they need. They’re not HR experts, but both have been through similar struggles with addiction at work. Society is starting to see addiction as a disease, and more employers are showing understanding toward those who need help. This is an important conversation for people in active addiction, those in recovery, and the people who care for them.

Joining The Show:

Susan Rider is a highly experienced HR executive who specializes in consulting, employee benefits, wellness, and compliance. She is the Director of Compliance and HR Consulting at Human Capital Concepts, where she helps business leaders create strategies for long-term success.

Susan is also the incoming President of the National Association of Benefit and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), where she plays a key role in improving industry standards. She has received several awards for her work, including NAHU’s Distinguished Service Award, being named one of Insurance Business Magazine’s Hot 100 Agents, and one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising by Employee Benefit Advisor.

Timestamps and Discussion:

4:02 - 14:27: Introduction to Susan Rider.

14:25 - 16:23: Susan discusses how the ADA might protect your loved one's substance use at work.

16:26 - 18:48: Tips on how your loved one can discuss their addiction at work without worrying about losing their job or privacy. Leadership can help by starting these tough conversations.

19:27 - 21:15: Susan explains that while the ADA doesn’t protect drug or alcohol use at work, it does protect those who genuinely seek help.

21:37 - 23:57: The ADA also protects people with a history of addiction from job discrimination. However, some companies may still use drug or alcohol screenings that could affect employment opportunities.

25:00 - 27:07: Susan says businesses have come a long way in treating addiction as a disease. More people, including public figures, are starting to talk openly about it, helping to make these tough conversations more common.

27:22 - 29:19: There are lots of programs that offer employees hope and help. Insurance companies can provide help. Ask your local HR representative for details. Short-term disability can be an asset, and confidential programs at your job may have options for you.

Resources:

You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast!

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings

NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

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