Opioids

We have resources available to ensure businesses and workers are safe. Click the buttons below to learn more.

Workers

Ensuring your employer has you and your family covered is critical. Opioid addiction does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, or income. A workplace injury can lead to over-prescription and addiction quickly. Make sure you are on guard and prepared if you or your loved one encounters addiction or overdose. 

What can workers do to combat the opioid crisis?

Talk to your employer about coverage
Employers can work with insurance carriers to ensure that you and your family have the coverage you need to avoid addiction before it happens and to treat addiction after it takes hold. Talk to your employer about choosing plans that cover pain management alternatives and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for addiction.

Understand your pain management
If you or someone you love is receiving on-going pain management assistance, talk to your doctor about alternative pain relief, for example:

• Non-opioid pain relievers
• Physical therapy and exercise
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants

Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for prescribing opioids for pain management.

Encountering overdose
If you are going into homes or out in communities for your work, you may encounter an overdose. Training is available to teach you how identify and respond to an overdose. Go to http://mohopeproject.org/ to sign up for a training and to find a pharmacy with naloxone near you.

Employers

The opioid crisis presents a particularly difficult set of issues for employers. Not only does drug misuse create a significant safety risk inside the workplace, it also effects productivity and bottom lines. Studies have shown that opioid addiction is costing U.S. businesses 10 billion dollars a year and rising.

What can businesses do to combat the opioid crisis?

Review employee benefits:
Work with insurance carriers to cover pain management alternatives to opioids. Choose plans that cover Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) treatments for addiction.

Equip managers:
Training managers to identify symptoms of drug misuse can be a powerful tool in catching early signs of addiction. Free trainings are available through the Missouri Hope Project. Sign-up at http://mohopeproject.org/.

Monitor workers’ compensation claims: Reoccurrence of injuries that may result in opioid prescriptions can be a red flag. Be sure employees are aware of pain relief alternatives.

Create an environment that welcomes disclosure: Stigma against addiction is the number one barrier stopping individuals from seeking help. Moreover, workers may fear losing their job or retaliation from their employer. By opening the conversation in the workplace and creating channels for help, you increase the chance of people coming forward.

Increase awareness:
Use your platform to increase awareness to employees about the issues surrounding the opioid epidemic and how they can help their friends and families. Check out our training materials and workplace posters.