Testing From The Drug Enforcement Agency

Guidelines for a Drug-Free Workforce

3rd Edition

Chapter 13

Resources

Summary

Several sources of outside help are available to employers who want to start or expand a drug-free workplace. Which source is most appropriate will depend on the type of program and the assistance needed.

Fee-Based Services

Many resources available to employers in establishing or expanding a drug- and alcohol-free workplace are fee-based services. Providers of these services typically include:

• Drug-free workplace consultants;

• Attorneys, arbitrators, and mediators;

• Drug testing labs;

• Health insurance carriers;

Fees for outside assistance vary widely throughout the country. The following ranges are typical costs for a variety of services:

• Consultants, attorneys, mediators: $30-100+/hour

• Drug testing services: $15-75/test

• Residential treatment: $3,000-20,000

• Outpatient treatment: $2,000-8,000

• Group addiction counselors: $25-60/appointment

• Individual addiction counselors: $50-100/hour

• Employee assistance services: $14-50/employee/year (depends on the number of employees and the range of services)

When negotiating for services, be clear about what you want and can afford, and ask questions. Include questions about:

• Fees and how they are calculated;

• What work will be done;

• Who will do the work and their qualifications;

• When work will be completed;

• What results can be anticipated;

• Whom you can call for references.

Free and Low-Cost Services

Several national helplines can provide telephone consultation, lists of resources and referrals, and videos and prevention materials at no cost to the caller, including:

• The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)'s Workplace Helpline 1-800-WORKPLACE

• The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 1-800-729-6686

• NIDA's Treatment Hotline 1-800-662-HELP

• The Department of Transportation (DOT)'s Anti-Drug Information Center 1-800-CAL-DRUG

• The Employee Assistance Professionals Association 703-522-6272

• National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors 202-293-0090

Most communities also have local resources. Local initiatives and coalitions link employers who are interested in drug-free workplace programs. The coalitions may provide sample policies, technical assistance, low-cost drug testing services, and ongoing training sessions for supervisors. Some have developed special low-cost Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) designed for smaller employers. They may also have information about and experience with the services and costs of laboratories and Medical Review Officers (MROs) and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) in your area.

For help with finding local initiatives and coalitions:

• Look in the telephone book for entries like "Drug-Free Business Initiative" or "Coalition for Drug-Free Workplaces."

• Call or write your state or county office for alcohol and drug abuse services and ask if they have a list of groups near your workplace.

• Call or write your local mayor's office, police department's community relations office, office of economic development, or business relations office and ask if they have a list of coalitions.

• Call or write your Chamber of Commerce or business or trade association and ask if they have services to help employers start a drug-free workplace program.

• Call CSAP's Workplace Helpline at 1-800-WORKPLACE.

Additionally, many communities have Councils on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous groups, local labor councils and professional associations that can provide assistance and referral services for employers. Check your local telephone directory under headings such as "alcohol and drug abuse information," "treatment," or "counseling."

Finally, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a force of Demand Reduction Coordinators (DRCs) who are specifically trained to assist communities in reducing the demand for drugs. They can provide employers with free technical support, speakers, awareness materials, and referrals to other resources to help establish and maintain drug- and alcohol-free workplaces. The following list provides information on how to contact the DEA DRC nearest to your location:

(The abbreviation S/A stands for Special Agent. Geographic areas served by Demand Reduction Coordinators are given in parentheses.)

DEA Headquarters Washington, D. C.
Demand Reduction Section
600 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
202/307-7936 Fax 202/307-4559

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