Substance Abuse Policies - Essay Example

The business community recognizes that everyday life stresses and more serious problems such as drug abuse can negatively affect employee attendance, concentration, and productivity. Employees realize that being provided with an EAP to help solve these problems means the employer values the employee. Whether or not an employee uses the services of the company EAP, there is more respect for the employer who provides the service. The EAP will keep the employer informed of the employee's progress and compliance with treatment.

Although having an EAP available is not a legal requirement, it is good business.Against that backdrop, employees know that their employer has their interests at heart. Managers should choose an appropriate time to annually reiterate to employees the company's substance abuse insurance benefits. At that time, clearly make known the company's commitment to confidentiality and interest in employees' well being. Encourage workers to take advantage of available insurance coverage if they need help with alcoholism or another drug dependency.

A designated date like National Substance Abuse Recovery Month (each September) would be a good time to focus on the company's support in paying for substance abuse services.As to which treatment method is the best one for a specific addiction, the question is how bad is the addiction and whether or not inpatient treatment is needed. In all events, it is important for the employer to demonstrate to the employees that they have EAP programs implemented.