EMPLOYEE ADDICTIONS COST BUSINESSES

As companies make plans to improve their products or services and
expand their business, they also should examine their operating
environment and work force.

Alcohol and drug use disorders have been estimated to cost American
businesses up to $98.5 billion in productivity losses in one year.
However, by committing to a drug-free workplace and supporting alcohol
and drug use disorder treatment programs for employees, businesses
experience a variety of benefits, including increased quality of
performance.

The costs and benefits of workplace policies are primary
considerations for businesses -- no single solution will work for
every organization. But understanding various approaches to alcohol
and drug use disorder treatment and recovery will help employers make
the right decisions for their businesses.

According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration's (SAMHSA) 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health,
most adults with alcohol or drug use disorders work. Of the 19.8
million adults with any type of alcohol or drug use disorder, 77.1
percent are employed. And out of the 16.6 million adults who use
illicit drugs, nearly three quarters are employed.

The problem is so widespread that more than 60 percent of adults know
someone who has reported for work under the influence of alcohol or
other drugs.

Problems with alcohol are common among working adults. Research shows
that:

. Eighty-one percent of the 51.1 million adult binge drinkers (those
who consumed five or more drinks on the same occasion at least once in
the past month) were employed either full or parttime in 2002.

. Close to 12 million employed adults were classified as heavy
drinkers (consumed five or more drinks on the same occasion on at
least five days in the past month) in 2002.

These disturbing data underscore the urgency for all companies,
including small businesses, to implement a drug-free workplace program
and to create an environment that encourages and enables employees
with alcohol and drug use disorders to access treatment programs.

In today's economy, it simply isn't enough for a business to pretend
that it can overlook this ever-increasing threat to
productivity.

But as we celebrate the 15th Annual National Alcohol & Drug Addiction
Recovery Month, individuals and businesses alike have hope that things
can get better. As more and more is understood about the causes of
addictions, the more professionals can do to help someone begin the
journey on the road to recovery.

Every journey must begin with a first step and with a clear
understanding of what addictions truly are, an employer can be the
needed catalyst to encourage an individual to make that first call.

Whether you're the individual or the employer, you can find that first
step by looking in your phone book under Counselors.

Genise Lalos, MA, LSW, CCAC-S, is director of Addictions Services for
Prestera Center for Mental Health Services Inc.