Solving Substance Abuse in the Workplace


Today in the United States, over 76 percent of all drug users over the age of 18 are employed either full or part time: that's more than 10 million workers. The chances that your company employs a substance abuser, regardless of the size of your business or the number of employees you have, is greater today than it has been in the past several years. Why? Because substance abuse in America is on the rise and it hasn't left the workplace out of its path of destruction.


Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) play a key role in fighting substance abuse. A strong EAP is one of the best investments a company can make. EAPs have two basic goals in combating substance abuse:

  • To stop people from abusing drugs and alcohol
  • To keep the company from losing productive workers to substance abuse problems

A company who focuses solely on eliminating substance abuse without also treating the causes is wasting their money. Three out of four employees with substance abuse problems are first seen by the EAP for other problems. Substance abuse is a coping mechanism that usually masks deeper problems. The possible stigma attached to admitting to a substance abuse problem, coupled with the fact that most substance abusers are in denial, makes it much more likely that a troubled employee will get help if they can see the EAP for other reasons.


Companies with the most successful drug-free workplace programs utilize a comprehensive EAP that covers a wide spectrum of services. They also characterize addiction as a treatable disease and offer employees the same health coverage and job security they would have if they were treated for any other illness. The EAP is a primary prevention and treatment tool that provides a dual benefit: it helps employers by improving productivity and containing health care costs and reduces health risks and promotes wellness. The availability of a treatment program raises morale by strengthening employees’ trust in the company’s caring and responsiveness to their needs.

When an employee is referred to the EAP, through supervisor intervention or self-referral, the EAP:

 

  • Assesses the problem
  • Provides confidential counseling to the employee and the family (if appropriate)
  • Makes recommendations and referrals for further treatment
  • Follows-up with the employee and the employer
  • Maintains confidential employee records
  • EAPs also offer supervisor training and employee education, and they evaluate and maintain a network of substance abuse treatment providers.

 

EAP provides outstanding value to employees and their dependents. Henderson Consulting is conveniently located off-site and available during lunch, evening and weekend hours so employees will have easy and private access to the services.


NO MATTER WHAT YOUR BUSINESS SIZE, HENDERSON CONSULTING & EAP SERVICES IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU