SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONALS (SAP)
Substance abuse is detrimental in any workplace. Some industries, like transport and heavy industrial can have life-threatening risks attached.
When an employee is in danger of harming themselves or others, safety concerns are a very real problem. Staff members with alcohol or drug addiction become liabilities in these instances. With this in mind, companies enlist the services of a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) to manage substance abuse prevention programs in the workplace. These individuals are educated in health and safety protocols around substance abuse and are responsible for ensuring workplace sobriety.
This invariably entails determining whether an employee may need substance abuse treatment or not. For transport industries, a SAP will also need Department of Transport (DOT) credentials, which requires national alcohol or drug abuse counselor certification by an approved body. Alternatively, they must be licensed physicians, psychologists, social workers, employee assistance professionals, or marriage and family therapists.
HOW PSYCLARITY HEALTH CAN HELP
As an expert in the field of addiction treatment, Psyclarity Health has worked with numerous professionals to put effective mechanisms in place. Working with an expert to assist with guiding employees to good health choices is an essential step in ensuring their addiction recovery. To find out more about how we can create and nurture a working relationship with you, as a Substance Abuse Professional, get in touch with us today.
WHEN EMPLOYEES NEED FURTHER TREATMENT
In some cases, employees will be reluctant to participate in substance abuse treatment or may need further assistance.
Apart from obvious signs of addiction, other issues to look out for include:
- Inability to follow outpatient treatment programs
- Relapses after substance abuse treatment
- Signs of regular health issues
- Minimal addiction recovery after previous treatment attempts
- Displaying a need for long-term addiction treatment
- Co-existing mental conditions requiring additional support
IMPARTIAL TREATMENT
For obvious reasons, a staff member with an addiction problem represents a risk for an employer. On the other hand, the employee may well be afraid of losing their job. This can be a predicament for both parties. However, the role of the SAP is not to lobby for either the employer or the employee; their decision has to be impartial and in the best interests of public safety. To facilitate the requirements of a company’s substance abuse program, it is beneficial to have a sound relationship with a health care partner to provide further addiction treatment when needed. Should a SAP determine that an employee requires drug rehab or alcohol rehab, it is useful to have an existing referral arrangement with a specialist in the field. Psyclarity Health MA has worked with SAPs in many such instances, providing ongoing care for valued employees.