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

Stress and addiction treatment

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.
Cardiovascular
Reproductive
Endocrine
Immune
Digestive

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Mind and Behavior Support - O O
Part 2: Stress Management - O O
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Mind and Behavior Support - P - O O
Part 2: Stress Management - P - O O
Part 3: Mind and Behavior Support for Students - P - - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
Part 1: Mind and Behavior Support Policy Document
Part 2: Stress Management Policy Document
Part 3: Mind and Behavior Support for Students Policy Document
97

Employee Assistance Professionals Association. Standards and Professional Guidelines for Employee Assistance Programs. http://www.valueoptions.com/providers/Handbook/treatment/EAP_Guidelines.pdf. Published 2010. Accessed October 17, 2014.

95.1.a

The EAPA Standards and Professional Guidelines recommend Employee Assistance Programs with short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services for employees who have personal and work-related concerns or issues.