 | Alcohol: No place in the workplace
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Employees with early-stage alcohol problems may have little or no obvious detrimental impact on their work. Since they often drink during off-duty hours, they may have time to metabolize the alcohol before returning to work. Their productivity may remain constant and they may be able to meet necessary deadlines. But, as these individuals begin to drink more heavily and/or closer to the time they are scheduled to report to work, their bodies do not have sufficient time to process the alcohol and their judgment and reaction times become compromised. If unchecked, the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption for problem drinkers will increase. Their decision-making ability, concentration, and memory will be impaired, directly impacting the performance, safety, and the integrity of the Customs mission. This conduct is totally inconsistent with Customs law enforcement responsibilities and could result in disciplinary action up to removal.| As an esteemed federal law enforcement agency, we must serve with an unusual degree of personal responsibility and personal discipline. The use of alcohol has no place in our workplace - a workplace that integrates weapons, vehicles, aircraft, and vessels into our interdiction mission. With our positions of public interaction and trust there can be no compromise - lives are at risk. | | | - Commissioner Robert C. Bonner |
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Understanding the effects of alcohol
Knowledge of how alcohol affects the body goes hand in hand with drinking responsibly. Alcohol is a drug - every bit as addictive, physiologically, as many drugs taken as pills or in other ways. Alcohol is immediately absorbed into the blood stream and rapidly carried to the brain. As a result, its effects usually begin with the very first drink. Blood-alcohol levels, more than the number of drinks, determine what this effect will usually be. When blood-alcohol levels are low, the effect is usually mild sedation, relaxation, or tranquility. Slightly higher levels may produce behavioral changes, leading to hyperactivity, aggression, and a lack of inhibitions. Still higher blood-alcohol levels may produce a lack of coordination, confusion, disorientation, stupor, anesthesia, coma, or even death.Blood-alcohol concentrations vary according to the individual. The speed of alcohol absorption generally affects the rate at which an individual becomes intoxicated and is influenced by a number of interacting factors such as the time elapsed between drinks, type of drink consumed, body weight and chemistry, food intake, drinking history, and mood. While it appears that drinking alcohol in moderation does not cause permanent harm to the body and may be beneficial in some ways, prolonged, heavy drinking may cause severe damage to the heart, brain, and liver.Recognizing a drinking problem
Indicators include an increase in the quantity and frequency of alcohol use, visible symptoms of withdrawal when the substance is not used, and a compulsion to drink. If the individual is an alcoholic, he/she will continue to drink even though job performance, health, and personal relationships deteriorate.Some warning signs of problem drinking
- Drinking to calm nerves, forget worries, or to alter mood.
- Feelings of guilt after drinking.
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking.
- Lying about, or attempts to hide, drinking.
- Medical, social, family, or financial problems caused by drinking.
- Irritable, resentful, or unreasonable behavior when not drinking.
- Increased tardiness and absenteeism.
- Excessive sick leave hours used due to alleged illness.
- Missing work without notifying management in advance.
- Increasing errors and a drop in work performance.
The presence of any one of these statements does not necessarily mean that the individual has a problem with alcohol; however, if several of these statements describe how alcohol is affecting an individual's behavior, then that person could have a drinking problem. An assessment by a professional can determine if a problem does exist, and if necessary, can refer the individual to a treatment program or other resources for help.Getting help
Often, people who drink too much do not believe they have a drinking problem, and encouraging a relative, friend, or co-worker to discuss their drinking problem with a professional can be very stressful. As a result, many individuals are not confronted with their alcohol problem until their situation has become extremely serious. This allows the problem drinker to continue to engage in self-destructive, often dangerous behavior, needlessly delaying their opportunity for treatment and rehabilitation.Employee Assistance Program (EAP) trained counselors are available to provide short-term counseling and referral to employees who may be suffering from an alcohol or drug problem. The EAP may also be able to provide information on treatment opportunities for a spouse. The earlier treatment begins, the more likely it will be successful. Hopefully, the individual has not yet experienced the common monetary and personal losses that often occur as a result of a drinking problem. Unfortunately, it may take the potential loss of good health, family, or a job to motivate the individual to seek professional help. If you or someone you care about has a drinking problem, or if you just want more information about alcohol abuse, please contact the EAP for confidential assistance by calling (202) 927-5550 or (800) 755-7002. They can also provide training on substance abuse awareness in the workplace to employee groups and supervisors. |
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