• There are signs that an employer can look

There are signs that an employer can look for in an employee demonstrating signs of chemical abuse. Job performance problems, such as patterns of taridness and absenteeism, specially from their work areas. The abuser’s work quality will have declined over a period of time, and he may have trouble getting along with co-workers. In extreme cases, an employee may also steal company merchandise to support his habit. He may have mood swings, red eyes, impaired eyesight, slower reaction time, lessened concentration, poor judgement and poor coordination. They will have a much higher than normal accident rate, will borrow from their coworkers and will have family difficulties.

“April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and the next time you think about the difference a drug free workplace could make in your bottom line, in your insurance premiums, consider that in our dealings with companies all are reluctant to admit there is a problem, all find it difficult to believe that members of their company family could be chemically addicted,” Mr. Donahue said.

“It is the same reluctance to admit that exists in individual families which makes it difficult to get help to the abuser before it is too late,” he added.

The treatment industry has very sophisticated, very confidential means of determining the degree of abuse in any company. It is part of the educational commitment we make to our community.

Call Mr. Donahue at Primavera Treatment Center, toll free (800) 468-6624. He is a recognized professional in the field of employee assistance and business relations.

“Ask the tough questions,” he suggested. “Ask the question, ‘Can chemical dependency exist in my company, my small business, my grocery store?’

“And get the answer before too much money goes out the door and up some employee’s nose.”