Pubdate: Wed, 06 Feb 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Nova Pierson

WORKPLACE DRUG ABUSE HIGHLIGHTED

Substance abuse in the workplace costs the province's economy $1.6 billion 
a year -- and employers need to get on board to help fight it, a Calgary 
MLA said yesterday.

"Substance abuse in the workplace is a serious issue and it's one we need 
to take a look at," Calgary Shaw MLA Cindy Ady told businesspeople at a 
Calgary Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

In lost time alone, substance abuse costs $400 million a year, Ady said. 
"In Alberta, we know we also have some major problems with workplace 
injuries, and you wonder how many of these can be tied back to alcohol and 
drug abuse."

Ady said using professional counsellors and employee assistance programs 
are part of having a "zero-tolerance" policy in the workplace for substance 
abuse.

The energy sector sends the most people to AADAC's Business and Industry 
Clinic, said Bill Bell, director of residential services for the Alberta 
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.

Twenty-one per cent of the Grande Prairie clinic's clients are from the 
energy industry, with manufacturing, sales and service jobs making up 18% 
of their clients.

Alcohol is the primary substance abused by 74% of clients, with cocaine 
second at 17%.

"It's not just the individual using the substance affected," Bell said.

"Family members of alcoholics and substance abusers tend to use more sick 
days themselves, and have higher insurance and health benefit claims."

A 1991 study showed one-in-20 people had consumed alcohol on the job in the 
last month.
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MAP posted-by: Beth