America’s Drinking Problem: How Tech & Employers Can Reduce It

By Noelle Murphy

An estimated 34 million Americans are suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder. The affliction negatively impacts their ability to fully engage and perform in the workplace. Workplace alcohol abuse isn’t only affecting the overall health of employees, it’s costing employers. Nationwide, alcohol abuse causes companies to suffer annual costs between $33-68 billion.

The modern American employee often juggles several responsibilities from working full-time, adopting side gigs, maintaining a home and even studying in school. Alcohol is a common drug overwhelmed professionals use as an attempt to cope with stress and spreading themselves too thin. Unfortunately, the coping mechanism is counter-intuitive hindering their ability to maintain energy.

Tech’s Answer for Employers

Ria Health is a next-generation solution for people who want to stop or reduce their drinking. Launched on October 3, 2017, Ria Health works to defeat excess drinking in American adults through at-home remedies, consultations, holistic detox or rehab. The company helps members accomplish their goals and improve overall well-being with a combination of mobile technology, one-on-one interactions with addiction specialists and daily support.

Ria Health also welcomed Tom Nix as CEO. Tom will help lead Ria Health in the continued pursuit of delivering a confidential and successful member experience. The company plans to develop strategic channel partnerships with innovative leaders in corporate HR, health systems and the physician community.

Ria Health began testing in January 2017 and has since seen hundreds of participants who are experiencing success with the program. The first group of Ria Health test members dramatically decreased their alcohol consumption in the first 30 days.

“Ria Health was founded with a mission to help the millions of adults in the U.S. reduce or stop their problem drinking. Our experienced team of addiction experts, healthcare technology leaders and compassionate coaching staff has the combined expertise to provide powerful and effective private care to members in the comfort of their home or on the go,” said Tom. “Beyond affecting individuals and families, the CDC reports that problem drinking causes American employers $172B in lost productivity each year. Ria Health can help employers offer confidential, effective care to their employees with measured outcomes that are positive and affordable through a convenient program that can be used in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.”

Who Does it Help?

Anyone seeking to change their relationship with alcohol and improve their overall well-being can enroll in the Ria Health program online. After enrolling, members download the app, which centralizes their care and support. They speak with a doctor and counselor to create a customized treatment plan based on their personal goals and medical history. In many cases, the physician will prescribe a FDA-approved medication that can help reduce cravings. A breathalyzer is also used to measure daily alcohol levels. John Mendelson, M.D. and Chief Medical Officer of Ria Health said,

“Leading researchers have developed safe and effective treatments for alcohol abuse, but these treatments have not been adopted. As an internationally recognized addiction specialist and researcher, I worked with my team to create Ria Health and bring these treatments to everyone. Historical care options such as AA and rehab may not work for many people. They simply can’t manage the time away and expense or don’t feel comfortable in the 12-step meeting environment. Ria Health provides a realistic alternative that is convenient, empowering, respectful, private and confidential.”

About Ria Health:

Ria Health’s unique use of personalized care and data science was created by a team of doctors and technology experts. For more information, visit www.riahealth.com or contact Michael Volpatt (michael@larkinvolpatt.com)

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