LIFELINE Employee Assistance Program

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Is Someone You Care About Drinking Too Much?

If someone you know or love shows signs of alcohol abuse or alcoholism, you may want to help. The best way to help a user face an alcohol problem is to make sure you don’t ignore or cover up the behaviors or mistakes that result from the abuse. When you cover up for someone, you allow a person to avoid the negative results of their use. Covering up for a friend, co-worker or loved one will simply make the situation worse and put off the inevitable.

Additional Ways to Help

Educate yourself about alcoholism. One of the best resources is Al-Anon, a nationwide organization that offers education and support for families in the same way that AA helps recovering alcoholics.

Arrange for several people -- including family members and close friends -- to caringly confront the alcoholic regarding their drinking. While a spouse's warnings about the drinking can be dismissed as mere nagging, it's harder to continue in denial when faced with four or five deeply concerned friends and other loved ones. Remember though, to caringly confront an alcoholic can be unnerving, and it’s always best to get guidance from a professional before you attempt any kind of action or intervention.

Never confront or argue with a person who has been drinking. Wait until the individual is sober before attempting to point out the negative consequences of abusive drinking. Keep in mind, however, that even if you are ready to help someone, the person may not be ready to listen. Most of the time, the user is in denial, and will not admit that the problems are due to the alcohol. Don’t let the users’ denial deter your resolve!

At Work

Don’t let an alcohol abuser put your health, safety, or job in danger. If you suspect that someone is using alcohol on the job or is coming to work unfit for duty, tell your supervisor right away. If a co-worker asks you for help, be supportive, and make sure they make a call to the LIFELINE Program. Remind them it’s confidential, and the LIFELINE Program has helped hundreds of employees stop drinking and using drugs.

The LIFELINE Program Can Help

You can call the LIFELINE program confidentially 24 hours a day at 800-466-8282 for more information, support, and recommendations. You can also visit LIFELINE online at www.LifeLineEAP.com

For questions or concerns, contact the LIFELINE program administrator at 785-296-4304.

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