Alcohol Essay, Research Paper

Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a chronic disease, which is

common in our world today. In the United States, 1 in every 13 adults is

either an abuser of alcohol or an alcoholic. This disease includes a craving

from the victim in spite of any problems or consequences, which they may

have or have had. Consequences of this disease are often very severe; for

example, job problems frequently arise. In addition to serious job dilemmas,

victims of this disease often get into mischief with the law, as well as undergo

critical health problems. The NCADD (National Council on Alcoholism and

Drug Dependence) thoroughly investigates this serious disease. This

council s research has discovered that 17.7 million United States citizens

have this horrid disease known as alcoholism. Also, almost 150 million of

these citizens consume alcohol at least occasionally.

Alcohol plays a big part in our culture, both in the past and present. It

has always been around, counting back to the beginning of time. Alcohol

also plays a large social role in our society, especially in the business

aspect. When discussing business in the evening, alcohol often

accompanies this situation. For instance, business people may discuss

deals over dinner where wine, etc is usually consumed. If dinner is not the

situation, then it could be as simple as discussing business over ” a drink”.

This drink is 9 out of 10 times an alcoholic beverage. This is not necessarily

bad, because in moderation alcohol can be a safe pleasure. However, on

the flip side, when this potion is used in surplus, it can destroy.

Alcoholism is a serious disease that effects millions of Americans.

Therefore, this disease obviously plays a large role in the workplace. The

reason for this is because if so many people have this disease, then these

people are in the workplace. Alcohol abuse is extremely common and

socially accepted, this point places major impact on employers. It is

difficult to find the difference between a social drinker and an alcoholic.

They only see these workers a fraction of the day; therefore they are not

completely knowledgeable to their situation. Alcoholism can hold a serious

impact on the workplace. An employer wants his/her employees to be

focused, hard working, dedicated, and in good health. If their employees

suffer from this wretched disease then they are certainly not focused on their

job. Instead, the victim of this disease in dying inside from their problem and

can only brush upon their true duties of employment. The larger the

company, the more common this disease is to exist among employees. It is

important that employers realize that this problem is serious and should be

paid attention to. If a worker is suffering from this addiction, then the

employer should address this issue.

There are several ways for an employer to help their employees. As time

progresses and we become more aware of this problem, the more help there

is for people who suffer from alcoholism. In many cases, alcoholic

treatment is effective in many cases. An example of employer action taken

against alcoholism in the workplace is “Drugs Don t Work in NJ!” This was

formed in 1992 in New Jersey and they have achieved many great

accomplishments. Examples of these accomplishments are: a five-part

package program for small to mid-sized businesses, they published the

results from these businesses, established an unprecedented information

network of newsletters, legal updates, etc. to assist businesses, enrolled a

large majority of NJ s businesses in this program, and instituted a partnership

with the NCADD. This is only one example of an employer s choice to act

on alcoholism in their business. This is only active in New Jersey currently;

however, it is a good example for the rest of the country to follow. Other

options exist for the workplace, such as bringing in speakers, hand out

alcohol awareness pamphlets, private counseling, posted AA meetings, etc.

Alcoholism exists and it is important for the employer to recognize this, and

that is the first step. They should be there for their employees, as well as

provide options for them.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Alcoholism is an extremely serious problem in today s society and it

effects so many people; businesses need to realize this problem. I think

“Drugs Don t Work in NJ!” is an excellent example for the rest of the U.S.

to follow. This program demonstrates the importance that they place on

conditions at the workplace. Every state should foster this program to help

the problem, which continuously exists. The first step is awareness by the

business. They need to understand what alcoholism actually is and that many

people suffer from it. I feel that every business should establish some type of

system to deal with these problems. Not necessarily to fire people with this

problem, instead to deal with this. The examples stated above should be

implemented in every business place (knowledgeable speakers brought in,

posted AA meetings, private counseling, etc.). Overall, employers should

throw away the ignorance and admit that problems exist, and begin by trying

to help.

EXAMPLE of A SITUATION

Jacqueline Connor is the president of a large plastic-manufacturing

corporation, Quantities Plastics Corp. (QPC). QPC is located in Houston,

Texas. There are over 800 employees that work under her and complete

various jobs. Connor simply overseas production and business, more

commonly high management reports to her. Connor is aware that many

problems exist privately in the lives of her employees. Several people in

management reported on workers slacking and gave reasons due to their

opinions. Finally, after time passed, Connor realized that she must stop being

ignorant and opened her eyes that alcoholism is common. Therefore, she

must have employees that have this problem and she needed to address it.

Connor should take action immediately! Private meetings by alcohol

counselors should begin pamphlets on alcoholism and ways to help the

victim, and conduct private counseling for employees after work. This is an

excellent start for Jacqueline Connor to help alcoholism in the work place.

CONCLUSIONS

Alcoholism is a serious disease marked by extreme or compulsive use

of alcohol. 17.7 this horrifying disease strikes million Americans; this means

that there is a very good chance that many business places employ people

effected by alcoholism. Society is slowly coming to realize the importance of

this situation; yet, people need to act more rapidly, with more concern, and

pay more attention to this devastating problem.