Laserfiche WebLink
What should I do if I have a drug or alcohol abuse problem? <br />Seek help. Your work is a vital part of everyday life. Yet, by abusing drugs or alcohol, you risk <br />your own life, your co-workers lives and the lives of the public. <br />Most every community in the country has resources available to confidentially assist you <br />through the evaluation and treatment of your problem. If you would like to find a treatment <br />facility close to you, check with your local yellow pages, local health department or visit the U.S. <br />Department of Health and Human Services treatment facility locator at <br />http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov. This site provides contact information for substance abuse <br />treatment programs by state, city and U.S. Territory. <br />Also, many workplace programs are in place to assist employees and family members with <br />substance abuse, mental health and other problems that affect their job performance. While <br />they may vary by industry, here is an overview of programs that may be available to you: <br />Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) <br />EAPs may be available to employees as a matter of company policy. EAPs are generally provided <br />by employers or unions. <br />Note: Many employees believe they only need to contact an EAP counselor if they have a <br />positive drug and/or alcohol test. Not true! EAP programs vary considerably in design and <br />scope. Some focus only on substance abuse problems; others undertake a broad brush approach <br />to a range of employee and family problems. Some include prevention, health and wellness <br />activities. Some are linked to the employee health benefit structures. These programs offer <br />nearly full privacy and confidentiality, unless someone's life is in danger. Do you know what <br />programs are available at your job? Be sure to ask your employer! <br />Voluntary Referral Programs <br />Often sponsored by employers or unions, referral programs provide an opportunity to self- <br />report to your employer a substance abuse problem before you violate testing rules. This gives <br />you an opportunity for evaluation and treatment, while at times guaranteeing your job. Be sure <br />to check your company to see if there is a voluntary referral program. <br />Remember: Self -reporting just after being notified of a test does not release you from your <br />responsibility of taking the test, and it also does not qualify as a voluntary referral. <br />9 <br />