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Show The Payson Chronicle, July 21, 1993, Page 16 Alcohol and Drug Education For Employees where a person can go to receive help and what types of help are available. Any company that has implemented an alcohol and drug policy needs to convey the message they are not being punitive but concerned about the employees welfare. When the employee and employer combine resources, we will begin to change this devastating problem in society. by Stephen J. Allred, Certified Alcohol Counselor, Mountain View Hospital Psychiatric Pavilion A startling fact about substance abuse is that most people who are suffering from a drug or alcohol problem dont know it. There is a general lack of understanding in our society about alcoholism and drug addiction. A recent client stated, "I always thought 1 wasnt an alcoholic because all of my D.U.I. arrests were six years apart." This particular individual believed if his arrests were six or more years apart then he didnt have an alcohol problem, even though he had been arrested three times. Many employees in business also feel they do not have an alcohol problem as well. If an individual does not have the correct or enough information about substance abuse, they may continue to deteriorate without even knowing they have a problem. An alcohol problem directly effects job performance and business. Our future will soon be in the hands of our children, The "Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988" requires employers, under government contract, to incorporate an and U S WEST is proud to recognize Vem Bangerter education program for employees. The law is vague and does not specifically state what kind of help or how much as a teacher preparing children for the challenge. education needs to be provided. Some companies have been known to hang a prevention poster on the bulletin board or Vern is the recipient of the 1993 U S WEST Outprovide a video tape for employees to watch, thinking they have covered their employees concerning substance abuse education. These methods can provide excellent informastanding Teacher Award for Utah. As a physics tion, but how much impact do they have on the employee? I also challenge the employers with the above scenario. Are teacher at Timpview High School they trying to help troubled employees or just satisfying the requirements of law? opening up the workf f ' The best method used to educate employees concerning '.y Si substance abuse is to have a trained, qualified counselor and fcilmmunitvft present the information. People pay more attention to a live AiiSL'has an be if employee presentation. Another advantage may a problem, the counselor can give direct and personal feedback immediately. Businesses who utilize an employee education program have reported significant benefits. A good program will influence employees who are social drinkers to drink more responsibly, cutting lost productivity due to hangovers, accidents, and absenteeism. Those who drink excessively may recognize their problem and seek help on their own, not in; volving the employer. Other benefits from an employee year U teachers and education program include improved work atmosphere clear and open communication between employee and suselected to receive $15,000 over ahvo-y- i Thanks to Teachers Like Vem Bangerter, The Future Is In Good Hands. pervisors. Ways to implement an education program may vary. One company held meetings during lunch break and furnished pizza to encourage employee attendance. Some companies offer education after hours and invite families to attend. The presentations should be held at least quarterly, but monthly sessions are recommended. It is important to be consistent with education meetings. Effective program components include information concerning the disease of alcoholism and addiction, symptoms that are easily recognizable, the effects of addiction on families - i.e. communication skills, stress management, and education about the psychological effects of different drugs. You may be surprised, but the physiological effect of the different drugs of abuse often shock people who are using them. The most important element in the presentation is direction Vern Bangerter Timpview High School 'y' , to pursue an educational project or fMfakstal development It's just one of the many invesjihts US WEST is making as part of our Foundation's Educational Initiative. At U S WEST, we believe teachers who reach classroom walls today will make a r ; - , for future generations. I S ll (MO S0lS 175 East 800 North UKKEST Making the most of your time Keith Bradford Buddy Bradford 7 98-860- 3 1993 US WEST, Inc. |