LIFESTYLE
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Timely Information for Personal Success Tips for Assisting Those with Addiction Problems ccording to the Substance conversation on job perforAbuse and Mental Health mance issues. EAPs shouldn’t Services Administration, delay or beat around the bush. an estimated 500 million workThe sooner you talk to the days are lost annually due to alcoemployee, the sooner that he holism. Consequently, managers or she can get help. and employers who notice an employee having difficulty on the Intervention Tips: job may want to assess whether • Timing — Wait to talk to an alcohol or drug use is affecting employee when he/she is this person’s productivity. sober and clearheaded. However, it can be difficult to • Rehearse — Consider writknow what to do or say. Hazelden ing down what you want to counselors have developed some say, and practice how you’d steps and suggestions to help answer a variety of responses approach the subject with an from an employee. This will employee: make your discussion easier. Remember that denial is a Educate — Educate common reaction among employees about company those who are abusing alcopolicies regarding alcohol hol or other drugs. and drug use. • Choose words carefully — Document — Managers Express your concern in an should keep a record of the honest and caring way. Be employee’s work perforsure to use “I” or “we” mance - good and bad. In phrases such as, “I’m worthat way the manager will be ried” or “We are worried.” able to document any This way, an employee can’t changes. argue with your feelings. Intervene — Managers • Discuss behavior patterns should have an informal talk — Inquire about the employto alert the employee about ee’s family life, work envihis/her unsatisfactory job perronment, past and current use formance, communicate comof alcohol or drugs, and other pany expectations, and discuss personal concerns. These are consequences. They should not discuss drug and alcohol abuse specifically. Keep the continued on Page 2
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Employee Assistance Report
Lifestyle Tips Insert
Recognizing Child Abuse hild abuse and neglect occur in all parts of society, but the risk factors are greater in families where parents are having one or more of the following problems: • Economic, housing, or personal issues; • Isolation from family or community; • Difficulty controlling anger or managing stress; • Dealing with physical or mental health issues; • Abusing alcohol or drugs; and • Lack of interest in the care and safety of their children.
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Helping parents who might be struggling in any of these areas reduces the likelihood that children will be abused or neglected. Children and even adults will tip off signs of abuse and neglect in different ways. For example, a child: 1) may demonstrate sudden changes in behavior; 2) may not have received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention; 3) may have learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes; or 4) may appear withdrawn, avoid physical continued on Page 2
April 2008