The Problem
The Hidden Crisis at Work
Substance use and addiction quietly affect every sector and level of today’s workforce but remain poorly understood and rarely addressed.
Over £21 billion lost
Over £21 billion lost each year by UK employers due to alcohol and drug ‘misuse’
14 million
14 million sick days linked to alcohol
Accidents Involve
40% of workplace accidents involve substances
substance use disorder
More than 1 in 10 full-time workers has a substance use disorder
And yet: most people suffer in silence
Employees fear stigma, judgment, or professional fallout. Many delay asking for help -or never do.
Many People Leaders and ERG Leads often want to help but feel unsure, undertrained, or isolated.
More Insight means Better Support
Employee Assistance Programmes
Employee Assistance Programmes offer support but there is no consistent evidence they reduce substance use.
Organisational policies
Organisational policies may set expectations but they don’t build understanding or reduce stigma.
Recovery ERGs
Recovery ERGs are rare and few employees feel safe enough to self-disclose.
This Isn’t Just a Wellbeing Issue
Substance use at work is
A leadership issue
A culture issue
An equity issue
A belonging issue
That’s Where WARM Comes In
WARM helps organisations:
- Equip People Leaders and ERG Leads with evidence-based insight
- Create space for honest dialogue without shame
- Improve prevention and access to early support
Recovery belongs in every workplace and the first step is understanding what addiction and recovery truly mean.
