Substance Use Prevention Month: A Call to Action

National Substance Use Prevention Month was first declared as a national observance in October 2011. This observation serves as a pivotal time to emphasize the importance of supporting those dealing with substance use disorders (SUDs). 

At Pelago, we help identify and solve for gaps in care using a dedicated, personalized approach to understanding the impacts of substance use on one’s body. We’re transforming how substance use is managed—from prevention to treatment—on our mission to break down barriers to substance use care that works. 

With more than 48 million people in the U.S. dealing with SUDs, raising awareness and promoting prevention is more important than ever. October is a time for communities and organizations to unite as partners in prevention efforts. One organization playing an active role in these efforts is SAFE Project, providing education, support and resources to individuals and communities impacted by substance use, including workplaces. 

“By working together, workplaces can reduce stigma and remove other barriers to care for workers and family members challenged by substance use to promote healthier lifestyles,” said Cal Beyer, Sr. Director of SAFE Workplaces for national nonprofit SAFE Project. “Each October, SAFE Project is proud to join millions of Americans taking part in Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week and use the occasion as a springboard for action throughout the entire year.” 

Substance use issues also significantly impact the workforce. Pelago’s 2024 Annual State of Substance Use Management Trend Report found that 42% of employees have missed work due to personal or family substance use issues, and more than 60 million workers face substance-related challenges. In terms of hard costs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that employers incur over $15,000 annually in SUD-related costs per affected employee. However, employees who receive treatment miss fewer workdays, highlighting the economic benefits of supporting recovery.

Pelago remains at the forefront of addressing substance misuse by partnering with businesses to offer personalized, on-demand support for employees seeking healthier lives. Our programs include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), designed to integrate seamlessly with health plans and wellness platforms.  

Employers can also contribute to prevention efforts by implementing workplace policies that support substance-free environments. Providing access to confidential counseling services and educating employees about the signs of substance misuse can help create a supportive workplace culture.

“Substance use is a pervasive employee issue that impacts a significant portion of the workforce, yet stigma and lack of support prevent many from seeking the help they need,” said Yusuf Sherwani, M.D., CEO and Co-Founder of Pelago. “Employers have a unique opportunity to enhance substance use awareness and create inclusive workplaces that reduce stigma and provide education, support and recovery resources.”

By adopting these strategies, employers can improve productivity, enhance employee well-being, and reduce healthcare costs while contributing to a supportive workplace culture.

In addition to SAFE Project, Substance Use Prevention Month is supported by numerous organizations, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). For more information and resources, visit the Safe Project website,   SAMHSA, and the Pelago resource hub for educational blogs, webinars, and more. To learn more about how Pelago and its dedicated substance use management can help your organization overcome stigma and promote substance use prevention, check out our introduction to substance use management webpage.