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We care about this issue and the impact it has on you, our team members.

Over the past several years, there has been a nationwide increase in the misuse of alcohol and other drugs. Issues related to substance use impairment and drug diversion can extend into the work environment. When this happens, it contributes to serious concerns like patient safety risks, workplace violence and harassment, absenteeism, and decreased employee morale and teamwork.

• Feeling like you should cut down, or feeling bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use
• Being annoyed by people criticizing your drinking or drug use
• Irritability or changes in mood; problems with memory, concentrating, or thinking clearly
• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
• Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
• Losing the ability to self-regulate after the first one
• Withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild (mood swings and irritability) to severe (gastrointestinal distress, leg cramps, insomnia, restlessness)
• Having a drink or using drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (often called an  eye-opener)

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, is misusing drugs or alcohol, or is diverting drugs in the workplace, we want you to know that there is a way out. Use the list of available resources below to get the help and support needed to address substance misuse, addiction, or drug diversion.

An important note about confidentiality: Seeking help for substance misuse or drug diversion, alone, will not risk a team member's license or employment, and the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ will keep such information confidential except when there is a legal duty to disclose the information to another party. For example, if a team member discloses having violated state or federal law by stealing or selling drugs, or if a team member discloses that a patient was harmed or put in harm's way because of the team member's behavior, it will not be possible to keep such information confidential.