2 2025 705890
Unique Number:
Due date: 15 August 2025
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND
SUPPORT
INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND
Substance abuse in the workplace presents serious risks for employee health, safety, and
productivity. According to Nova Recovery Center (2020), employees who struggle with
substance use are often less productive, take more sick leave, make more errors, and
experience more conflict at work. This not only affects individual wellbeing but also impacts
overall organisational performance and morale.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are workplace initiatives designed to support
employees facing personal or work-related challenges, including substance abuse. These
programs offer confidential counselling, health education, and referrals to treatment services
(Attridge, 2019). An EAP that focuses on substance abuse provides early intervention,
promotes mental health, and creates a supportive environment that encourages recovery.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SUBSTANCE ABUSE
PREVENTION AND SUPPORT
INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND
Substance abuse in the workplace presents serious risks for employee health,
safety, and productivity. According to Nova Recovery Center (2020), employees who
struggle with substance use are often less productive, take more sick leave, make
more errors, and experience more conflict at work. This not only affects individual
wellbeing but also impacts overall organisational performance and morale.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are workplace initiatives designed to support
employees facing personal or work-related challenges, including substance abuse.
These programs offer confidential counselling, health education, and referrals to
treatment services (Attridge, 2019). An EAP that focuses on substance abuse
provides early intervention, promotes mental health, and creates a supportive
environment that encourages recovery.
In South Africa, substance use problems are widespread, affecting various sectors
and age groups (Ramlagan et al., 2010). Workplace-based support systems,
including counselling and wellness programs, are essential to prevent long-term
consequences such as absenteeism, job loss, and reduced performance (Bacharach
et al., 2008). Therefore, a well-structured EAP focusing on substance abuse
education and access to counselling can improve both employee wellbeing and
organisational health.
OBJECTIVES OF THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The main aim of this Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is to support employees
who struggle with substance abuse while creating a healthy, safe, and productive
work environment. The specific objectives are:
1. To educate employees about the dangers of substance abuse and how it
affects health, work performance, and relationships.
2. To provide confidential access to counselling and treatment for
employees dealing with substance abuse.