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Employee Fact Sheet #2

You Can Contribute to a Drug-Free Workplace

drug-free workplace means no drugs: no alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, speed, PCP, heroin, or other drugs at work. Even cigarettes and some prescription drugs can be a danger. Is alcohol a drug? Yes -- it alters your mood and can cause addiction. How about nicotine? Yes, that too. Why have a drug-free workplace? Because drugs keep you from doing your best on the job, and the effects can be dangerous to others as well.

Think About These Facts:

One out of every ten adults in the United States is already addicted to alcohol. Because addiction runs in families, many children of addicts are likely to become addicted themselves. Alcohol and other drug abuse can lead to unsafe sexual behaviors that result in getting the HIV virus or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Marijuana can cause people to lose interest in hobbies, work, friends, and family; it can cause loss of drive and motivation. Because people who use marijuana don’t react as fast, on-the-job accidents are more likely to occur.

Have Crossed the Line?

Many people who use alcohol or other drugs think they can stop any time, but before they know it, using drugs is a problem. For example, using alcohol or other drugs can become more important than spending time with family, hobbies, or doing well on the job. If so, the chances are good that abuse or addiction has begun. Before you say "not me," take this brief test:

Don’t Wait to Get Help

It is important to notice the signs of abuse and addiction early so that you can seek help. Addiction to alcohol or other drugs is a serious disease. The longer you wait to find help, the harder it is to get better. In other words, the chances of staying healthy are better when alcohol and other drug abuse is stopped early. Changing your alcohol or other drug use is a decision only you can make.

Where to Begin . . .

Alcohol and other drug addictions can be stopped. If you have never used them, don’t start. If you think your use is causing problems, think about stopping. Seek help now. Ask your doctor about the effects of using alcohol or other drugs, or read, go to a lecture, or take a class.

Using alcohol and other drugs can lead to addiction. Addictions are chronic diseases. Chronic means that once you have the disease, you will have to live with it for the rest of your life. However, with treatment you can control the disease and live a healthy and productive life. Millions of Americans are now recovering from alcohol and other drug addictions. Their lives are back on track. You can join them.

Recovery from alcohol or other drug addiction is a process. You start by staying away from alcohol and drugs one day at a time. The goal is to be sober. Being sober means you learn to live without alcohol and other drugs. To do this, you often need the support of other people: family members, friends, support groups, therapists, etc.

When you’re tempted to use drugs again. Relapse occurs when you return to your old pattern of alcohol or other drug use. Although relapse is part of the disease, it does not have to happen to you. Watch out for relapse.

Can You Change?

If you think your alcohol or other drug use is a problem, there are many ways you can get help. Some cost money and others do not.

Helping yourself is the best way to help create a drug-free workplace. If you think you have a problem with alcohol or other drugs, contact some of the resources listed here to learn more about it or to find help.

Types of Help Available
Inpatient Treatment	You spend time (weeks or months) in a treatment center where you are able to remain alcohol- and drug-free while you learn new ways of living without alcohol or other drugs. Referral to an outpatient "aftercare" program should also be provided to support you after you return home. Call your local addiction treatment center for help (look up "alcohol" or "drugs" in the Yellow Pages). Your local Health Department may also be helpful.
Outpatient Treatment	There are many types of outpatient treatment programs. Some meet several nights a week after work, and others meet during the day. Unlike inpatient or day out-patient treatment, where you stay at the center for some time, evening outpatient treatment often allows you to carry on with most of your normal daily activities. Treatment is usually done in groups. One-on-one counseling is also available. Call your local addiction treatment center for help (look up "alcohol" or "drugs" in the Yellow Pages). Your local Health Department may also be helpful. Ask someone you trust if he or she knows a counselor who treats addictions. See your doctor for a checkup.
Support Groups	Groups of people come together to help each other recover. Some of these groups are called 12-step programs, for example, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Smoker’s Anonymous. There are also groups for family members of addicts, such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Alateen, etc. Other 12-step programs include Gamblers Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, Debtors Anonymous, Survivors of Incest Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Codependents Anonymous. There are also recovery support groups that do not use the 12 steps, such as Rational Recovery, Woman to Woman, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS). Look in the Yellow Pages or call a local treatment center for telephone numbers.
Hotlines	Hotlines exist to help with alcohol and other drug problems, and they can usually direct you to treatment centers and other help in your area. You can find these numbers in your Yellow Pages or by calling information. National hotlines that offer drug information and treatment referral include the following: 1-800-662-HELP
Doctors, Psychologists, and Social Workers	Doctors cannot read your mind; it is up to you to tell your doctor you think alcohol or other drugs might be a problem. It is important to find a professional who knows about addictions or who can refer you to a counselor who has training in addictions. Call a local mental health agency or treatment center and ask the staff to recommend a doctor or counselor in your area.

Where to Find Help

National Hotlines

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, call these hotlines for free, confidential help.

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s (CSAT) Drug Information, Treatment, and Referral Hotline:

Publications

The following list of readings can be ordered for free by calling the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686:

Ask for the telephone number of your State clearinghouse -- the RADAR Network -- from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

More information about alcohol and other drug abuse can be ordered for a fee from these publishers:

Also check your local library or bookstore.

Local Resources

Look in your local telephone book for these numbers:

Alcoholics Anonymous Alateen (for children of the user) Al-Anon (for family members and friends) Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) Narcotics Anonymous Nar-Anon (for family members and friends)

Drug Treatment Center Cancer Society Lung Association County or State Addiction or Mental Health Agency County/Victim/Mental Health Hotline Other