It takes strength to ask for help. But whether you’re looking for healthier ways to cope with stress, want to support someone in your life or need help right now, a wide variety of resources are available to help you navigate any situation.
Substance Misuse in Trades, Retail and Service Industries
Work stress adds up. Drugs won’t help.
For plenty of people who work in trades, retail or the service industry, long shifts, busy days and constant pressure are just part of the job. All that stress doesn’t stop when you clock out, and looking for relief is natural.
Drugs and alcohol might feel like a fix. But in the long run, they’ll probably cause more problems. Explore resources that can help you find healthier ways to handle stress and support whenever you need it.

Substance Misuse Doesn’t Always Look the Same
Substance misuse can be complex. Many people drink alcohol in moderation or use prescription drugs to manage symptoms. But what starts as an outlet for stress can evolve into challenges that are tough to manage.
Understanding the risks and warning signs of substance misuse is the first step toward finding healthier solutions and supporting the people around you.
Support Starts with People
If you’re going through something, one of your strongest resources is the people closest to you. They can relate to you and know the best ways to show support.
Talking to someone who understands, whether it’s a friend, a coworker or someone who’s been through something similar, can make you feel less alone and more in control.

Find Help No Matter Where You Are
If you or someone you know needs help, treatment resources are available across South Dakota. From counseling to more intensive options, treatment can help uncover the cause of challenges you’re facing and understand the best ways to move forward.
Secure Storage & Disposal
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988
Call, text or chat 24/7 for support with substance use or any other crisis
Start the Conversation
Find tips and conversation starters that can help you support a friend or coworker
Workplace-Supported Recovery Programs
Work-related injuries, illnesses and other conditions can lead to substance misuse, giving employers an important part to play in empowering their staff to protect their health.
Let’s Be Clear SD has also developed a toolkit that includes materials, resources and other tools to help workplace prevention efforts go further.
But that doesn’t only mean training sessions or employee-assistance programs. Workplaces can take intentional steps to reduce risk factors, lower the barrier to seeking help and create an environment that stops the stigma surrounding substance misuse and use disorders.
Learn more about how you can make an impact on employees’ lives while creating a more positive, productive workplace.
