Drinking, Drug Use, and Lost Productivity

Did you read the USA Today's lead artice on families and addiction to alcohol or drugs. USA Today's poll discovered that 1 in 5 adults have a close relative that was or is addicted to alcohol or drugs. I don't find this particularly shocking because for the past 15 or so years I've worked with hundreds of alchol and drug addicted individuals. I've worked with individuals addicted to alcohol, cocaine, heroine, pain medications, and to many other things. The USA Today poll also found out that US Women bear the brunt of the problems caused by relatives alcohol or drug abuse. They have to take care of the children, find additional employment, and keep things together. This makes sense to me, but don't forget that there are women who are also addicted and the cost is just as staggering, especially when mothers aren't available because they are too busy using.

Now...where the article ends is where I will make my final comments. The article doesn't specifically address the numbers of addicted individuals in the workplace...but if 1 out 5 adults have a close relative that is or was addicted...then we can make some generalizations that many of them were or are in the workplace. I've worked with the executives, managers, sales representatives and the consultants who had problems with alcohol and drugs...not to mention depression, anxiety, and a host of other issues. It takes away the ability to be creative and productive in any career. It remains a health and safety issue for all employers, for all organizations, and for all families.

...Michael

Michael T. Bauer, MSW is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Innovative Business Resources, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations align their leadership and culture with their business strategy.

Michael is the publisher of the Creative Edge Newsletter.