Problems associated with the use of alcohol and drugs are common across all sectors of the modern workplace, yet they remain some of the most difficult and complex issues for organizations to address effectively. The tendency in some organizations is to ignore such problems, hoping they will simply disappear—a fundamentally unwise strategy that allows a vicious circle to take hold. In this cycle, the substance misuse leads to tangible workplace issues (conflict, substandard work, missed deadlines, health and safety violations), which in turn place additional pressure on the worker, potentially leading to an even greater reliance on the substance.

This course is designed to empower managers and HR professionals by providing an essential foundation of understanding of the key issues involved. While there are no simple, straightforward solutions, gaining a better, more nuanced understanding of the complexities places you in a much stronger position to wrestle with the difficulties presented. The course examines the common features of these problems and offers practical, ethical guidance on how to rise to the challenges involved, moving away from a passive, costly avoidance strategy to an active, informed intervention plan. Without this clear understanding, efforts to address these challenging issues are unlikely to produce positive, sustainable results. Equip yourself with the knowledge to break the cycle and move your organization toward a more responsible and productive solution.