Addiction in the Workplace: The Price We All Pay

Providence, RI, 2002

Employers pay a high price for employees who are battling an addiction. It's estimated that expenses and losses related to substance abuse average 25 percent of the salary of each worker affected. A problem gambler costs his or her employer an average of $1,300 a month in absenteeism, low productivity and theft or embezzlement. Rhode Island PBS, Roger Williams Medical Center (RWMC) and the Providence Business News (PBN) brought attention to the effects of addiction on the workplace, with emphasis on treatment and the stigma attached to the addictions. The three organizations raised the level of awareness of this problem and provided Rhode Island employers with tools to help their employees overcome their addictions.

The project consisted of a one-hour program premiering in May, to be rebroadcast later in September, coupled with a panel discussion and a live call-in component; a series of five community workshops; and a panel discussion about the impact of addictions on the workplace. In addition, VHS tapes of the series, accompanied by a best practices manual, were distributed to human resource professionals and made available in chambers of commerce, libraries, hospitals and nonprofit organizations. In addition, 20,000 resource guides targeting workers with addictions and their family members were produced and distributed to the above-mentioned employers and organizations.

The active participation of all the partners was crucial to the success of this project. As community partner, RWMC provided expertise on addictive behaviors through its Addictions Medicine program and presented a series of community workshops to extend learning into the community at large. PBN was the project's direct link to Southeastern New England's business community and promoted the project. Rhode Island PBS provided the production facilities and expertise for the broadcast portion of the project.

Contact Information

Rhode Island PBS
Kathryn Larsen, Program Director
Tel: 401-222-3636

Roger Williams Medical Center
Brett Davey
Tel:401-456-2421

Providence Business News
Carol Carson, Director of Development
Tel:401-273-2201