Almost everyone knows we have a tremendous substance abuse problem in America; in fact, it is the worst in the Western world. Some years ago, the United Nations reported that while the United States represents 5 percent of the total world population, it consumes nearly 60 percent of all illegal drugs produced. Unfortunately, the situation appears to be getting worse.

Recent U.S. Government reports reveal that the number of people who are using illegal drugs - and abusing legal substances such as alcohol, and prescription drugs - is on the rise. The substance abuse epidemic has not bypassed America's work force; in 1993, 71 percent of all illegal drug users were employed.

The good news is that the vast majority of workers are not substance abusers. However, studies show that workers who are substance abusers have significantly higher rates of workplace accidents, file more workers' compensation claims, have higher medica l benefits costs, and are absent more often. Studies also show that workers who abuse substances are less productive than their co-workers.

Many employers can easily recognize workplace substance abuse. However, sometimes the signs are not so obvious. And once a problem is recognized, where can a small business owner turn to learn what to do? Will it be an expensive endeavor? Are free or low-cost information and assistance available?

Fortunately, much information is available to help employers. Help is just a telephone call away.

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Workplace Helpline

Helpline: 1-800-843-4971

The Workplace Helpline is a toll-free resource for business owners, supervisors and managers, and union leaders to call for assistance in developing and maintaining a workplace substance abuse program. The Helpline, which is operated by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services, also distributes materials regarding policy development, Federal regulations, drug testing, and other related issues. Counselors can also refer callers to local contacts that can provide direct assistance.

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Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace

Working Partners: 202-693-5919

Working Partners is a private- and public-sector partnership designed to encourage and assist small businesses in developing and maintaining an alcohol- and drug-free workplace.

At the core of the Working Partners Initiative is a small business workplace kit. The kit contains industry-specific information to help trade association executives understand the nature of the substance abuse problem, how it affects the workplace, and what employers can do to address it. Though the kit is designed specifically for trade associations, many of its contents can be of use to small businesses.

The Small Business Workplace Kit is available to associations and other business groups at no cost. Individual businesses may order copies of materials from the kit by contacting NCADI (see below).

The Working Partners Program can also provide other services to trade and business groups such as presentations to staff and program members including a demonstration of SAID, articles for newsletters and magazines, and assistance in identifying speakers for conferences and meetings.

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National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)

NCADI and RADAR: 1-800-729-6686

NCADI is another service offered by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. NCADI, or the "Clearinghouse" as it is often referred to, is a national resource for substance abuse information in written and videotape formats.

NCADI provides information on substance abuse as it relates to families, youth, communities, schools, women and minorities, and the workplace. The information includes research results, articles from popular press and scholarly journals, videotapes, prevention curricula, print materials, program descriptions, and state-level contacts. Most Federal agencies active on the substance abuse issue make their materials available through the Clearinghouse.

The Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource (RADAR) Network works in partnership with NCADI and consists of a state clearinghouse, specialized organizational information centers, the U.S. Department of Education Regional Training Centers, and other information sources.