Interestingly, many chemically dependent people attempt to over-perform at the workplace to compensate for their otherwise unmanageable life.  But as a manager, co-worker or colleague you know in your gut that something is amiss, you're just not sure what.

For example, the addict may be present at the workplace more hours than a peer but his/her output is less than a peer’s.  From a management perspective how does one respond to, "But I‘m here all the time, what more do you want from me"?

If you don’t think the use of alcohol and drugs in the workplace is impacting your organization, consider the following statistics…

• In comparison to moderate and non-drinkers, individuals with a history of heavy drinking have higher health care costs

• Untreated alcohol problems waste an estimated $184.6 billion per year in health care, business and criminal justice costs, and cause more than 100,000 deaths

• Health care costs related to alcohol abuse are not limited to the user.  Children of alcoholics who are admitted to the hospital average 62 percent more hospital days and 29 percent longer stays

Executives are particularly challenging to intervene on as a result of the insulation they have by virtue of their position.  This reality makes the occurrence of alcoholism and addiction disproportionally higher among executives then the rest of the organization.