The movement to utilize the workplace as a setting for referrals to alcohol problem treatment showed great promise in the 1970s, but has markedly faltered in recent years. Drawing on several bodies of evidence, this analysis asserts that the potential for workplace referrals remains, but has been neglected by policy makers and alcohol problem interventionists. Recent attention focuses on generating referrals to treatment in settings that embed "intimate contacts" with those potentially in need of alcohol treatment. These include primary medical care, welfare services and the criminal justice system. A parallel potential exists in the workplace. Key to maximizing this potential is motivating, educating, and rewarding for staff of internal employee assistance programs (EAP) and externally based EAP providers. Several datasets demonstrate workplaces' potential as substance abuse referral sources. National sample surveys of workers (1991, 1993, 1997) show that 57.8% had EAP access in 1997. Of these, 45.3% said it was "very likely," they would use the EAP if needed. Actual level of employees' use of their organizations' EAP was 12.7%, with 52.8% reporting the EAP as"very helpful." Other data describe extensive use and high levels of satisfaction for employees' family members and workplace subordinates. Data from 6,400 EAP clients indicate substantial alcohol problem utilization, and substantial continued employment after one year. Other data indicate recent declines in EAP alcohol referrals. These are analyzed, and changes in public policy and education are urged to re-invigorate this cost-effective mechanism of secondary prevention.
Learning Objectives: To provide new data on the potential value of the workplace as a setting for alcohol problem referral
Keywords: Alcohol Problems, Alcohol
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.