Substance Use Disorder in the Workplace
Event Overview:
When substance use impacts the workplace, HR is often called upon to navigate some of the most sensitive and challenging situations an organization can face. This session provides a practical, people-centered approach to understanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and its impact on employees, teams, and business outcomes. Together, we'll discuss how to recognize warning signs, coach leaders through productive conversations focused on performance, respond appropriately when an employee discloses a concern, and create a workplace culture that reduces stigma while supporting accountability. You'll leave with actionable strategies to help employees get the support they need and to help your organization thrive.
Participants will:
- Understand what SUD (Substance Use Disorder) actually is — and why it's a workforce issue, not just a personal one
- Recognize the real costs to your organization when SUD goes unaddressed
- Spot observable signs of possible impairment and know when to act
- Guide supervisors through a performance-based conversation — what to say and what to avoid
- Know your role as HR when an employee discloses a problem
- Use language and practices that reduce stigma without lowering expectations
About the Speakers
Kellie Albrecht serves as Director of Development at Soul Solutions Recovery Center, where she leads fundraising, marketing, and partnership efforts in support of addiction recovery and community wellness. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kellie has built a career rooted in mission-driven work, connecting people, resources, and organizations to create lasting impact. A longtime resident of Fargo, she brings deep community ties and a genuine passion for service to everything she does. Her work at Soul Solutions reflects a core belief that recovery is a community endeavor and that everyone deserves access to the support they need to heal.
Patti Senn has spent over 25 years in addiction treatment and recovery — as a clinician, an advocate, and someone with 31 years of long-term recovery. In 2017, she began working toward a treatment center that went beyond traditional clinical care. She founded Soul Solutions Recovery Center, which opened in December 2021, and serves as its Executive Director and Clinical Director. Soul Solutions offers a distinct approach to addiction treatment and recovery, with a strong emphasis on long-term recovery management, family programming, and community connection through Hope and Coffee. Prior to that, she spent 15 years at First Step Recovery in Fargo as a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Clinical Supervisor, and later directed addiction treatment and recovery services at Southeast Human Service Center. Patti holds a Master of Community Counseling from Minnesota State University-Moorhead and carries the field's highest credentials: Licensed Master Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and NAADAC's Master Addiction Counselor certification. She has served on the North Dakota Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners, the ND Coalition of Training Consortiums, and the ND Addiction Treatment Providers Coalition.
Where:
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, November 19, from 12:00 noon–1:00 p.m. Registered attendees will receive the meeting link by email prior to the event.
Tickets:
Free for GGFHRA members | $15 for non-members
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