Focusing Attention on Substance Abuse in the Workplace: A Comparison of Three Workplace Interventions

Abstract

This research examined aspects of adult work life that influence alcohol risk perception (ARP) and consumption in three different worksite interventions. Health-attitude survey and self-reported alcohol consumption data were compared across three worksites included in a common funding initiative. Among at-risk drinkers, two studies showed decreases in alcohol consumption in the intervention groups, although the numbers in each group were small. These changes were seen with no change in ARP, which was quite high at baseline. Findings across worksites suggest that worksite characteristics influence drinking norms and behavior. ARP appeared to be an influencing factor only when interventions helped focus attention on the personal significance of risky behaviors. Interventions that focus on health promotion show high participation as well as greater improvement in drinking risk than those focusing on punitive sanctions.

KEYWORDS:

• employee assistance programs
• workplace alcohol use
• workplace drug testing
• workplace health promotion

Notes

Note. EAP = employee assistance program.

Note. ARP = alcohol risk perception; EAP = employee assistance program.

^a Range for ARP 4–16.

∗p < .05.

Note. ARP = alcohol risk perception; QF = quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption.

^a ARP range 4–16.

∗p < .05; ∗∗p < .001; ∗∗∗p < .0001.

Note. EEAP = enhanced employee assistance program; PWC = proactive wellness counseling; I = intervention group; C = comparison group.

Note. ARP = alcohol risk perception; QF = quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption; MSE = mean squared error.