Substance Use Respond & Engage

In early 2024, we launched our Substance Use Respond & Engage (SURE) toolkit, which aims to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to offer immediate assistance to individuals facing substance use challenges in the workplace. This course emphasizes awareness, reducing stigma, and creating a supportive environment.

This modular program content can be tailored to meet your scheduling needs. There is also a full-day certification program.

A 2024 report on the negative impact of substance use issues in Canada shows that we must move beyond traditional treatment approaches. Not only is our healthcare system struggling to keep up with needs, but our workplaces also suffer when problematic substance use goes unaddressed.

Businesses are the most prevalent “community partners” to any health infrastructure., and have a direct impact – positively or negatively – on the lives of their employees. 

The APA 2023 report asserts that “workplaces must become engines for psychological health and well-being.” What happens in the workplace occurs in life.

The SURE Toolkit empowers employees, managers, and HR professionals to engage in meaningful, compassionate, and effective conversations about substance use in the workplace. By focusing on response and engagement, this toolkit helps create a supportive environment that prioritizes understanding and connection over judgment and stigma.

Key Benefits:

1. Enhances Communication Skills: SURE provides practical strategies and guidance on approaching conversations about substance use with empathy and respect, making it easier for individuals to navigate these often-sensitive topics.

2. Promotes a Supportive Culture: By equipping teams with the tools to engage in open dialogues, SURE fosters a workplace culture that encourages seeking help and offering support, leading to better overall mental health and well-being.

3. Reduces Stigma and Misunderstanding: The toolkit helps break down barriers and misconceptions about substance use. It promotes a more informed and accepting workplace where employees feel safe to discuss their challenges without fear of discrimination.

4. Improves Employee Well-Being: SURE encourages early intervention and support, which can improve outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more productive workforce.

5. Supports Organizational Policies: It aligns with and enhances existing workplace policies on health, safety, and employee assistance, ensuring that conversations about substance use are consistent, respectful, and supportive of both the individual and the organization.

Integrating the SURE Toolkit into your workplace can build a more empathetic, informed, and proactive approach to managing substance use, benefiting both employees and the organization.