CDA Essentials 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 7

43 Issue 7 | 2019 | I ssues and P eople The Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) is sponsored by CDSPI and provides confidential short-term counselling support, professional guidance, resources and referrals for dentists, dental office staff and immediate family members. MAP services are complimentary and accessible 24/7/365. Contact MAP at 1.844.578.4040 or visit their website at www.workhealthlife.com . MAP is operated by Shepell, the largest Canadian-based Employee and Family Assistance provider in the country. Available services vary by region. Use of MAP services is completely confidential within the limits of the law. MANAGINGANEMPLOYEE with an Addiction Problem Contrary to what we may think, not all addicts live on the fringes of society. In fact, more than 75% are employed. Most hide their alcohol or drug abuse from their employers until their addiction starts to interfere with their everyday functioning – and that’s when everyone starts paying a price. Alcohol and drug addiction cost Canadian employers $24.3 billion a year in: • absenteeism • sick leave • errors and lack of productivity • disability claims • benefit costs • insurance claims • overtime pay for other staff having to carry extra workload • accidents (workers’ compensation claims, replacing damaged equipment and litigation) And it’s not just alcohol and illegal drugs that contribute to this cost. Addiction to, and misuse of, prescription medication is a rising concern. Know the Signs Often, problems with drugs or alcohol first appear as performance or attendance issues. Some of the signs may include: • increase in absences, especially on Mondays and Fridays • extended lunch breaks, long absences from the work station, consistently late arrivals to work or early departures • falling productivity, increased errors or missed deadlines • presenteeism, or difficulty with focus or concentration • change in appearance • changes in attitude and behaviour or increased irritability Visit workhealthlife.com for more wellness resources. The following article is adapted and reprinted with permission from the Morneau Shepell website www.workhealthlife.com • Healthy Workplace Series •