NCJ Number
122165
Journal
Druglink Volume: 4 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1989) Pages: 8-9
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Unlike their American and European counterparts, British employers remain unconvinced that Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer support, referral, and treatment for employees with substance abuse problems are more economical than simply firing those employees.
Abstract
It is already well-documented that drug and alcohol-related accidents, sicknesses, and absences reduce efficiency and lead to lost productivity. As younger employees enter the work force and receive expensive and extensive training, it will become increasingly important to retain them. Several short-term studies have indicated that EAPs improve productivity and achieve savings in sick time after intervention. But to succeed, drug workers must run EAPs like a business rather than as a health program. Workplace programs offer an opportunity to work with new groups of problem drug users. EAPs can facilitate early intervention and provide an efficient conduit for disseminating information and educational materials. This approach can also impact on public awareness of the drug problem. British drug agencies must take advantage of the entrepreneurial opportunities EAPs present; in the US, these programs are funded by employers, not by the government. New research initiatives should contrast the costs of establishing a policy and support systems on drug and alcohol problems with the savings realized through EAPs. In addition, quality training materials are needed to promote EAP training for employers.