Alcohol and other drug use problems in the workplace can be costly, in terms of sickness, absenteeism, lost production and compromised quality, effects on the morale and team spirit of affected other staff, and higher risk of mistakes and accidents. Internet addictions (including internet pornography), can also aversely affect staff who spend significant work time on computer, and can lead to lost productivity, distraction, and risk-taking behaviour leading to stress, anxiety and depression, which compromises health and well-being. Issues like problem gambling can similarly affect any employee, but can also lead to fraud and theft to maintain the addiction, severely affecting the organisation’s finances and sometimes leading to job losses and bankruptcy in the extreme. These issues can affect employees of any status, and the resulting effects can impact on all levels of the organisation.

Abacus has programmes which offer information on the nature of these addictions, including causes, symptoms, identification and interventions, working with affected employees to address and contain the addiction, and how to refer for specialist help. The aspect of reintegration into the workplace is also covered, along with ongoing monitoring and support. Abacus can also offer consultation on policy development for these issues, to assist in maintaining the integrity of the workplace, while having a policy to retain valuable trained staff.

Do you know the best ways of approaching the subject of alcohol and drug use with people who are developing problems?

• Do you know the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug use, and how to do brief interventions in order to assist them?
• Did you know that alcohol costs society the most money in lost productivity, causes most of the accidents and health problems, and is the drug most implicated in violence and criminal offending in New Zealand?
• What is a “standard drink”, and how many standard drinks are in the alcohol beverages you normally purchase and consume?
• Which drugs are most commonly used in New Zealand?
• Are you aware of the health effects of the drug “P”?

These and many more questions about alcohol and other drugs are answered in this programme, which is designed to be interactive and informative, with powerpoint slides and demonstrations and exercises to illustrate the points made. Programmes range from half day introductory to full day programmes, which also offer screening information, brief interventions and interactive exercises.

Our training is tailor-made to meet the needs of businesses and organisations, who will be aware that alcohol and drug use can affect staff and their performance at every level of the organisation. The half day programme informs staff about various drugs and their health, and also social effects, and can be delivered in conjunction with an alcohol and drug policy, to empower staff to seek help in a way that is both positive to them and to the organisation. In this approach, a focused management programme can inform best ways to approach and motivate their staff, while those staff members are informed of the issues as they relate to their performance, safety, and personal well-being and responsibility. This motivates employees to work together with their employers to deal with the problems, rather than instilling fear and punishment, and perhaps risking the loss of knowledgeable and experienced staff.

Auckland 8 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 Phone 09 360 6957 Fax 09 360 6357 Email abacus@acts.co.nz