IT TAKES MORE THAN JUST SAYING NO TO DRUGS

BENTONVILLE -- Approximately 10 percent of the nation's adult population
has a significant drug or alcohol problem according to statistics from OSHA
(Occupational Health and Safety Administration). Jack McDaniel, consultant
for the City of Bentonville, says education and awareness are necessary to
combat this growing problem.

Of most importance is the fact that 70 percent of those who have a
significant drug or alcohol problem are employed in the workplace.
Crunching those numbers show that a significant number (some 7 percent) of
the total workforce are affected by a drug or alcohol problem. It isn't
local or regional, it's a national problem.

"It simply makes sense for organizations and businesses to learn as much as
possible about the problems of drugs and alcohol, and to learn about how to
recognize the problem, and how to get help for those who are affected,"
McDaniel said.

Today, many sources are available to help employees who are having problems
with drugs and/or alcohol. Northwest Arkansas is very fortunate to have a
significant number of organization who are providing assistance with
rehabilitation and recovery programs.

In a fax to the Daily Record, McDaniel indicated that Charter Behavioral
Health System of Northwest Arkansas, Ozark Guidance Center, Decision Point,
Northwest Arkansas Psychological Group, Highland Hall Psychiatric Group,
and Youth Bridge are covered under the City of Bentonville's insurance
program and the insurance coverage includes the family members as well.

There are, of course, at least two schools of thought about how to solve
the alcohol and drug problem. One approach says, fire them and they'll
leave, another says let's see if we can salvage this person and give them
an opportunity to live a productive life.

The approach apparently taken by the City of Bentonville is that we will
work to salvage any problems should we encounter them.