What if we told you that the corporate world could be playing a significant role in triggering addiction and mental health issues? 

It's time to challenge perceptions and spark meaningful dialogues as we welcome Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Vice President and Executive Director at the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education. With her experience in HR management, adult education, and lived experience of addiction, we uncover unsettling truths about substance misuse in the workplace and discuss the significant part we can all play in fostering recovery.

We tread into contentious territory, examining the reclassification of substance use disorders and how our choice of language can shape the fight against addiction stigma. Cheryl provides insight into the various schools of thought and the transformative power of education in bridging these divides. We also explore the tricky area of workplace culture and its impact on employee mental health - how do businesses strike the right balance between providing support and encroaching on personal boundaries?

But it's not all heavy discussion; we also dive headfirst into the adoption of exciting new approaches to tackle mental health and substance use disorders in the workplace. From creating safe spaces through affinity groups and employee resource groups to the pivotal role of data in measuring the success of these initiatives, there's much to be hopeful about. And as Cheryl shares the inspiring stories of Project Opioid and her work with ICARE, we're reminded of the immense potential of interagency partnerships and the vital role of education in making a real, tangible difference. 

Tune in for a conversation that challenges, provokes thought, and inspires action.

In this episode, you will hear:

Resources from this Episode

International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education: www.icare-aware.org

Connect with Cheryl Brown Merriwether on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cherylbrownmerriwether 

Project Opioid: projectopioid.org

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Episode Credits

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