Options for Action

Alcohol Concern has produced an invaluable tool for anyone. The intention is for the Options for Action training programme concerned with the problem of alcohol in the workplace. The Manual, Options for Action, is a new training resource designed to provide the means of delivering training on alcohol and drugs issues in a variety of settings.

The intention is for the Options for Action training programme to improve awareness of the impact of alcohol and drugs and to provide the knowledge of how to develop and put into practice appropriate alcohol and drug policies. At the same time, it will provide those receiving the training the confidence to identify and deal with potential and existing problems. The manual is a resource designed for use by a wide range of professionals – human resources staff, managers, drug and alcohol specialists, occupational health staff – to train others in recognising and addressing alcohol and drug problems.

Options for Action covers all the practical, legal, safety and ethical issues which are crucial to delivering and effective policy in what is always a sensitive area, including:

  • Awareness of alcohol, drugs and personal well-being

  • Signs and symptoms of problematic drug and alcohol use

  • Testing and screening

  • Addressing work performance

  • Writing and implementing an alcohol and drug policy

As readers of Alert will be aware, 14 million working days are lost every year as a result of alcohol and drug problems with inevitably huge economic costs to both employers and the country – quite apart from those experienced by the individuals and their families. Alcohol Concern, along with Personnel Today and DrugScope, conducted a survey which showed that 60 per cent of employers experienced problems in their organisations due to alcohol misuse, 16 per cent had permanently lost staff because of drug misuse, and that 84 per cent would support employees in getting specialist help for alcohol or drug problems.

Whilst employers are nowadays more open to addressing drug and alcohol issues than in the past, most feel a lack of confidence and expertise in doing so. Options for Action is suitable for employers without that expert knowledge, whilst at the same time being useful to professionals involved in wider occupational health issues and to specialist alcohol and drug practitioners. In addition, it caters for varied levels of training experience and includes valuable advice on planning and delivering training sessions.

In the manual there are scenarios and case studies based on different work situations and a section given over to the specific needs of alcohol and drug agencies keen to work with employers. The manual has a modular format which makes it easy for users to dip in and out of the parts which are relevant to their needs.

Further information and copies of the manual can be obtained from the Information team at Alcohol Concern, Waterbridge House, 32-36 Loman Street, London SE1 0EE (020 7928 7377).