Prevention interventions of alcohol problems in the workplace

Abstract

The workplace offers advantages as a setting for interventions that result in primary prevention of alcohol abuse. Such programs have the potential to reach broad audiences and populations that would otherwise not receive prevention programs and, thereby, benefit both the employee and employer. Researchers have implemented and evaluated a variety of workplace alcohol problem prevention efforts in recent years, including programs focused on health promotion, social health promotion, brief interventions, and changing the work environment. Although some studies reported significant reductions in alcohol use outcomes, additional research with a stronger and integrated methodological approach is needed. The field of workplace alcohol prevention also might benefit from a guiding framework, such as the one proposed in this article.

Figure 1

Past-month heavy alcohol use among full-time workers aged 18 to 64, by industry categories: 2002−2004 combined. SOURCE: SAMHSA Analytic Series: A-29. No permission required. Larson, S. L.; Eyerman, J.; Foster, M.S. and Gfroerer, J.C. Worker Substance Use and Workplace Policies and Programs (DHHS Publication No. SMA 07–4273, Analytic Series A–29). Rockville MD: SAMHSA, Office of Applied Studies, 2007.

Figure 2

Hypothetical framework for comparing and integrating strategies.