Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for Substance Abuse

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) may cover addiction treatment depending on your level of insurance coverage. Find out more about what EAP programs are, how they work, and how you can use them to cover the cost of rehab treatment in Tennessee.

What is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

Drug and alcohol use disorders can cause disruptions in a person’s family, community, and workplace. However, addiction is a treatable disease and your work may have a program to help you.

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based program that offers a variety of services for employees. EAP programs for employees “address a broad and complex body of issues affecting mental and emotional well-being, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders.” EAPs can also be involved in assisting organizations prevent and cope with workplace trauma, violence, and other emergencies.

Other services EAPs usually offer include:

Employee education.
Individual assessments.
Organizational assessments.
Short-term counseling.
Management consultations.
Referrals to treatment.

Some EAPs also offer financial, legal, and retirement services. EAP coverage and services will vary depending on each program. All information regarding the treatment, diagnosis, and identity of an employee accessing an EAP is confidential.

We Accept Insurance

Contact Apex Recovery Tennessee to check your insurance coverage levels and discuss your treatment needs.

How Does an EAP Work?

Many people reach out to EAPs on their own, but sometimes it is through a referral from a coworker, Human Resources, or another department. EAP services are confidential, free of charge, and on-demand (services are available when you need them).

First, when you reach out, you will typically meet privately with an EAP professional to identify and/or resolve the issues that are affecting your job performance. Most EAPs offer a combination of channels of service including phone calls, web-based technologies, and office visits.

Using an EAP for Substance Abuse

Substance use disorders and other mental health problems affect over 14% of people aged 18 or older in Tennessee in 2022, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. EAPs are a free and confidential resource for employees struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

Many EAPs have specialists and staff who are certified and trained in working with people with drug and alcohol misuse problems. EAP substance abuse services often include:

Identifying substance misuse problems.
Short-term counseling.
Education.
Referrals to treatment.
Follow-up support.

EAPs offer detailed information to help you or your loved one navigate the overwhelming process of seeking treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction reaching out for help is a step toward recovery.

Rehab Center in Tennessee That Accepts Insurance

For those seeking trusted rehab centers that take a wide range of TN insurance, Apex Recovery stands as a dedicated and accessible solution. Based just outside Nashville, it specializes in providing effective drug and alcohol addiction rehab and mental health treatment. The facility is committed to ensuring that individuals can start their journey to recovery with the support of their insurance coverage. Apex Recovery accepts health insurance, and offers individuals a pathway to comprehensive and quality care without unnecessary financial burdens.

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Benefits of Employee Assistance Programs

Some of the main benefits of EAPs include:

Free and confidential guidance
Accessibility
Some programs allow spouses and other dependents of employees access to services.
Certified trained professionals.
Objective assessments of your condition.

Cons of Employee Assistance Programs

One of the biggest cons of EAPs is the short-term nature of the services for substance use disorders. However, EAPs are a great referral resource to long-term certified programs like Apex Recovery. If you or someone you know may be struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, you can reach out to an EAP for more information on how to get help and they can assist you in finding treatment.

What Do EAPs Cost?

EAPs are typically provided at no cost to the employee or the dependent of the employee using the service. However, programs that EAP staff refer you to may have associated costs. Many drug and alcohol programs have resources to help you understand and pay for treatment. Apex Recovery has a free online tool to check your insurance coverage. You can also speak with a specialist at Apex Recovery 24/7 to discuss payment options for rehab.

Check Your Insurance

Apex Recovery Tennessee is in-network and accepts most major health insurance plans to make rehab treatment more accessible. Contact us today to check your coverage!

Can I Be Fired for Going to Rehab?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 states that Employers “cannot fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees merely because they are enrolled in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.” However, the ADA doesn’t provide any special protection for people who are currently using illegal drugs.

If you are unsure or have questions about your right to attend rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction, reach out to an EAP today for free and confidential services.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice.

How to Use an Employee Assistance Program

If you want to know how an EAP works at your place of employment, you can follow these steps:

Contact the EAP provider
Be prepared to provide information and documentation.
Have a list of questions to ask written down.
Ask about your options.

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