How is affects employee and supervisor

Substance Abuse

Some of these employees will turn to drugs or alcohol to face the problem.

Employees' will have overbearing stress and trouble in their personal life at some point.

Every business must address this issue and have options available to its employees.

Educational efforts such as D.A.R.E were put into place for students with the same concept.

The same educational effort should be included as a deterrent in company training.

Substance Abuse is a reality

An employeeYour co-workerThe employerThe customerFamilyFriends

Who does Substance Abuse Affect?

Productivity lossCost to companyDanger to co-workers and the employeeLoss of respect from peersTrust among peers and from supervisorDamaged reputationRisk of termination

Problems Substance Abuse Causes

Implement a detailed drug free workplace initiative

Offer EAP assistance to employeesRequire mandatory drug testing randomly

What Steps can be Taken?

People become worn down physically and emotionally from life's challenges

Normal behavior deterioratesUser becomes defensive and angry over small

issuesTrouble coping with day to day issues

Effects on the substance abuser

How the supervisor handles a substance abuser is critical Jumping to a conclusion and offering no help is counter-

productiveGet information

How is the employee behaving?Get accounts on changes in attitudeConfront employee in a professional manner and have a

witnessWork with employee to get help

Offer EAP assistanceAssure that if the employee gets help, they will have a

job when they are back on their feet (within reason)

What is the Supervisor to do?

Employees who are normally productive and are going through a rough patch have assistance available to them.

EAP offers a hand to those who need help getting back on track with their lives through counseling.

Help is available !!

HMSA. Employee Assistance Program. Detroit: HMSA, [2009]. Print.

Wood, James, Michael Robb, and Chuck Spencer. "Substance Abuse." N. pag. Rpt. in Print. Print.

"Drug Free Workplace - America's Drug Problem." Drug Free Workplace - Home. Web. 13 Nov. 2009. <http://www.drugfreeworkplace.com/employees/americandrugproblem.htm>.

SAMHSA's Workplace Home Page. Web. 13 Nov. 2009. <http://www.workplace.samhsa.gov/drugtesting>.

"Safety and Health Topics: Workplace Substance Abuse." Occupational Safety and Health Administration - OSHA HOME PAGE. Web. 13 Nov. 2009. <http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/substanceabuse/index.html>.

Bibliography