Substance abuse at the work place: The problem and possible solutions

Abstract

This paper discusses substance abuse as an example of an employee problem that can be addressed through an employee assistance programme (EAP). The effects of substance abuse among employees are enormous, namely, employee absenteeism, possible poor employee relations and job loss, risk of injuries, and damage to organisational property. Workplace environmental "enabling" factors and indicators of employees' deteriorating work performance because of substance abuse problems are also discussed. Solutions are examined, ranging from policy, improved communication, information sharing and the development of appropriate programmes. Towards the end the paper also deals briefly with the historical role of EAPs in dealing with this problem.