According to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI), alcohol and other drug abuse is one of the most serious health problems affecting employers today. The costs are staggering - more that $100 billion a year in accidents, lost productivity, and related problems.

Although many individuals with a drinking and drug abuse problem may consider it a personal issue, the fact is substance abuse not only endangers the life and health of the problem abuser but also affects family, friends, coworkers, and others who come into contact with them. Everyone pays for substance abuse. Substance abuse can strain relationships, places a tremendous amount of stress on friends and family, and may even place your job in jeopardy if you can't function well at work.

Working with substance abusers can be unpleasant and dangerous. Their work habits can affect fellow employee's safety, efficiency, satisfaction and enjoyment. Alcohol and other drugs interfere with the basics of doing a good job. Substance abuse affects:

• Productivity-missed workdays, poor motivation and efficiency, reduction in amount of work completed.
• Quality of work-impaired skills and bad attitude making the quality of work poor.
• Cooperation with others-causes or destroys cooperative spirit at home or work.
• Concentration and judgment-interferes with concentration and careful decision-making skills.
• Motivation-abuse becomes the focus of life and doing a good job less and less important.
• Employee theft-can make financial demands and may prompt some to steal from work.

The two most widely used drugs in America - alcohol and nicotine (the addictive substance in tobacco) - are legal for adults. Many drugs that are legally prescribed for medical use, such as painkillers and tranquilizers, also are bought and sold on the street for illegal recreational use. Other drugs that have little or no medical use are grown or manufactured and distributed entirely outside the law.

A drug-free workplace means no drugs: no alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, speed, PCP, heroin, or other drugs at work. 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.

Many people who use alcohol or other drugs think they can stop any time, but before they know it, using drugs is a problem. Before you say "not me," take this brief test:

• Has anyone ever questioned you about your alcohol or other drug use?
• Have you ever missed work because you were sick from using too much alcohol or other drugs?
• Spend money on alcohol or other drugs that should be used for housing, food or other necessities?
• If you can't use alcohol or other drugs, do you get jumpy, shaky, cranky, nervous, or have cravings?
• Are you in debt because of your alcohol or other drug use or have legal problems because of alcohol or drug use?
• Does it now take more alcohol or other drugs to get the same affect?
• Have you ever used alcohol or other drugs in the morning or have a hard time getting through the day without them?
• Have you ever used alcohol or other drugs at work?
• Have you ever had trouble stopping once you started using alcohol or other drugs?

If you answered "yes" to more than one of these questions, there may be reason for concern about abuse or addiction.

Addiction is a serious illness. Health, finances, relationships, careers - all can be ruined. The abuse of drugs and alcohol is by far the leading cause of preventable illnesses and premature death in our society. The importance of substance abuse treatment cannot be overstated, and fortunately many effective treatments are available. The road to recovery, however, begins with recognition.

Although drug and alcohol abuse problems may seem overwhelming, resources are available for users who are ready to seek help. Your family doctor or another trusted health professional could refer you to a specialist or treatment program. Most places of employment also have Employee Assistance Programs to assist employees who have substance abuse problems. This assistance is confidential and offered to employees who want it, while still offering job security.

For more information on this subject you can visit NCADI at their web site at www.health.org or call them toll free at 1-800-729-6686.