This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

Stress and addiction treatment

Stress and addiction treatment

Intent: 

To avoid or mitigate substance use and addiction issues by providing access to stress management programs.

BACKGROUND

Chronic stress adversely impacts the body, from the nervous to the cardiovascular system. Substance addiction is one of the most damaging manifestations of stress, combining the toxicity of the substance itself with the mental distress associated with the social stigma of the disease. In recent years, refinements in addiction treatment and stress reduction therapies, as well as pharmacological interventions have been successful in helping to mitigate these debilitating conditions.

Part 1
Mind and Behavior Support

A program that addresses psychological and behavioral distress is made available to workplace occupants through:
a.97
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offering short-term treatment and referrals to qualified professionals for depression, anxiety, substance use, addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.

Part 2
Stress Management

A stress management program is made available to occupants through:
a.
A qualified counselor offering group or private workshops and referrals.

Part 3
Mind and Behavior Support for Students

A program that addresses psychological and behavioral distress must be made available to students through the provision of one of the following:
a.
Access to short term treatment and referrals to qualified professionals for depression, anxiety, substance use, smoking cessation, addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
b.
Qualified professionals such as nurses or guidance counselors available on-site for consultations on depression, anxiety, substance use, smoking cessation, addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.