me of the theories apply to some individuals in some circumstances, while they do not apply to other individuals or even to the same individuals in other circumstances (Pardeck, 1991). Further, explanations of the causes of alcohol abuse by some individuals require the consideration of multiple theoretical premises (Engs, 1990).
The proposed study will examine organizational EAPs and health promotion programs to compare their effectiveness with the underlying theoretical approach to dealing with alcoholism in the workplace. The underlying theoretical approach of such programs may be one or a combination of the approaches indicated in the preceding paragraph.
The use of drugs and alcohol poses particular problems for the workplace รน reduced productivity, decreased employee performance, and increased accident rates ("Substance," 1998; Bell, 1994). Although experts disagree on the efficacy of the many different substance abuse treatment modalities, these experts do agree that the best solution to the substance abuse problem is treatment to reduce substance use. The treatment approach is in contrast to past practices, wherein employers resolved the problem of employee substance abuse by terminating the offending workers. Many employers are now realizing, however, that treating alcohol or chemically dependent personnel can be viewed both as an employee benefit and as a cost-effective means of increasing overall employee health (Bennett & Lehman, 1997; Tompkins 1991).
Organizations are aware of the existence of the problem of alcoholism in the workplace and of the adverse implications of the problem for the organization and its employees. Further, many organizations have programs designed to address the problem. Unfortunately, the performance of most of these programs is less than perfect. A need exists to determine the both the type of such programs and the underlying concept for such programs that will improve their effect...