CENTER CITY, Minn., July 16 More than two-thirds of human resource professionals believe substance abuse and addiction is one of the most serious issues they face in their companies.
Absenteeism, reduced productivity and a lack of trust are also major problems stemming from substance abuse that affect the efficiency and success of companies across the Unites States, according to the survey of 1,000 human resource professional conducted by the Hazelden Foundation.
Although most companies offer employee assistance programs, many do not openly and proactively deal with employee substance abuse issues, do not refer employees to treatment programs and face barriers that prevent them from helping employees seek and receive addiction treatment.
"Addiction is this country's No. 1 public health problem," Jill Wiedemann-West, senior vice president of clinical and recovery services at the Hazelden Foundation, said in a statement.
"We know that treating drug and alcohol addiction results in more people finding their path to recovery, it results in more resilient families, more productive work places and healthier and safer communities."
Copyright 2007 by UPI
