February 21, 2025

In an op-ed for BenefitsPRO, Chris Cummins, MBA, LMFT, LCADC, Clinical Director of AAC’s Laguna Treatment Center, shares why organizations need to consider how team events involving alcohol can put implicit pressure on and/or exclude sober and recovering employees.

“Despite the risks, drinking culture continues to be the norm in many organizations, and too often little to no thought or consideration is given to employees who don’t want to drink. Company leadership may assume alcohol is a non-issue because no one has raised their hand to express their discomfort. But there may be a reason for that.” Not all individuals in recovery feel comfortable discussing their sobriety with their colleagues and supervisors, and requiring employees to attend events where alcohol is served may place them at risk. Cummins talks about the ways employers who wish to celebrate with their teams outside the office can create a truly inclusive atmosphere that is safe for their sober team members. Read the full article.