ALCOHOLISM IN THE WORKPLACE : A HANDBOOK FOR SUPERVISORS

INTRODUCTION

The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence defines alcoholism this way:

"Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychological, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterised by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortion in thinking, most notably denial."

Alcohol is the single most used and abused drug. Several million engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. The costs to society in terms of lost productivity, health care costs, traffic accidents, and personal tragedies are staggering. Numerous studies and reports have been issued on the workplace costs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Alcohol is a major factor in injuries, both at home, at work, and on the road. Nearly half of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol.

In the workplace, the costs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse manifest themselves in many different ways. Absenteeism is estimated to be 4 to 8 times greater among alcoholics and alcohol abusers. Other family members of alcoholics also have greater rates of absenteeism. Accidents and on-the-job injuries are far more prevalent among alcoholics and alcohol abusers.

This handbook is designed to foster better awareness in supervisors, managers, and human resource personnel of the issues surrounding alcoholism and alcohol abuse, especially as it relates to the workplace. The handbook is not intended to cover, in detail, all the various aspects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse but to give you enough information to understand and identify the problems and know where to go to get assistance.

FURTHER IN THIS DOCUMENT - SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

• Alcoholism in the Workplace
• Supervisor's Role
• Signs to Look for
• Leave and Attendance
• Performance Problems
• Relationships at Work
• Behavior at Work

Next Steps

• Employee Assistance Program
• Human Resources or Employee Relations
• Confronting the Employee
• Intervention
• Considerations During and After Treatment
• Leave Status
• Return to Duty
• Follow-up Care

Other Topics

• Intoxication at Work
• Things to Avoid
• Conclusion
• Appendix - The Disease of Alcoholism
  

 

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