ALCOHOL PROBLEMS IN EMPLOYMENT: EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RESPONSES

A review is presented of evidence related to the epidemiologyof alcohol-related problems in employment and of policies toprevent or curb such problems. It is concluded that, althoughalcohol use is associated with accidents, absenteeism and inefficiency,epidemiological data from most countries are scarce. Availableevidence is so limited that estimates of the extent or costof alcohol-related problems in the workplace are of dubiousvalue. National responses to alcohol problems in employmenthave been variable. A significant proportion of relevant publishedevidence relates to the U.S.A. It appears that even there veryfew workplace initiatives have been subjected to rigorous assessment.Limited evidence suggests that Employee Assistance Programmesfor problem drinkers have reduced subsequent health-care costs.