New research shows 75% of employers have workers affected by struggles with opioids; 30% of workers have family members with opioid misuse and addiction problems; 30% of employers have employees who have missed work due to opioids; 22% of employees experience impaired performance due to opioids; 18% of employees say they have employees arrested; and 8% report having employees who have overdosed. Given these impacts, it is unlikely coworkers aren't the first to know. Can coworkers help? Know how…

Relationship It took a long time - but you did it. You left a relationship that was unhealthy or abusive. Healing takes time - and everyone's experience is different, so be patient in this journey. Start by visiting a domestic violence advocate at your local DV program or an EAP counselor for an assessment or some short-term counseling/coaching on the healing process. Beyond talking about your expectations, it might help you to focus as well on the following goals for yourself, each of which…

Addiction to online gambling is a growing problem. Research shows it predominantly affects teen and young adults, particularly men. Although online gambling addiction and traditional gambling addiction are similarly diagnosed, the anywhere, anytime, out-of-state aspect of online gambling via the internet makes it particularly menacing. To help a problem gambler, seek help for yourself first. Ironically, as the concerned person in the relationship, counseling can empower you to know how and when…

There is a world of illicit drug selling online. No, not necessarily the dark web, but an open website that offer hallucinogens like Spice/K2, psilocybin mushrooms, "bath salts," and other dangerous substances. Many drugs sold are manufactured compounds with formulas that avoid strict illegal definitions, but they can be even more dangerous. Saliva divinorum, which is illegal in only 29 states, can create a temporary psychosis so disturbing that non-users must be nearby to protect the user from…

A domestic violence shelter could save your life if an abusive relationship threatens your well-being, but would you use one? Believing that only homeless or lower-income people take advantage of such services is believing a myth. The CDD's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicates that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. People who seek emergency safety at shelters are from all walks of life -…

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition resulting from experiencing war, crime, sexual assaults, accidents, or another threat to one's life or from witnessing a threat to or victimization of another person. Flashbacks, hypervigilance, and frightening thoughts are some of many possible symptoms. Approximately 8 percent of people will experience PTSD in their lives, so it's likely you know a coworker with PTSD. As with a person with any other physical or mental health condition, you…

More teens now use e-cigarettes than smoke tobacco. (Use of and sales to minors of either is illegal.) E-cigarettes are not as toxic as tobacco, but researchers are discovering unintended consequences of these devices. For example, e-cigarettes can be abused to get a stronger hit by manipulating the device. The practice is growing. Another unintended consequence is younger children using e-cigarettes, and turning to real tobacco later, because these devices are only about 50% as satisfying as…

In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, try this one-question quiz: "Have you ever seriously wondered whether you could be an alcoholic or have an alcohol problem?" The emphasis is on the word "seriously." Whether your answer is yes or no, make an appointment for a professional assessment. Why? Those without any symptoms of alcoholism never seriously consider this question. Millions of people recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction have gathered their wisdom over the years in books,…

As you wash pollen off windows, fix leaks, repair roofs, and trim trees this spring, protect yourself against falls. Falls are the third-leading cause of accidental death and the most common cause on construction sites; about 350 employees die each year because of falls on construction sites in the U.S. Here are important tips to prevent falls: (1) Plan the work - know the tools/ assistive devices you need. Failure to do so will have you "taking chances" by performing the task improperly rather…