Informal Approach to Substance Abuse in the Workplace

Type I is a soft approach and used by most companies with effective employee assistance programs. Some employees may accept an EAP referral with this approach and others will only think about it. Even a mandatory referral, as in DOT cases, represents a choice to get help over termination required under the federal law. The more severe the drinking or drug addiction problem, the less likely this soft approach works. However, it is good place to start with any employee.