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Substance use is related to multiple negative workplace outcomes, such as injury, absenteeism, and under performance.  Transition times put young adults at risk for increased substance use. 

What are Transition Times?
Entering the workforce for the first time or changing to a new employer are transition times that put workers at increased risk. 

How Transition Times Affect Substance Use?
Substance use can also be influenced by relationships.  Social role changes such as marriage and parenthood can have a positive influence on substance use for young adults.  A relationship breakup or remaining single put young adults (especially males, at risk for an alcohol disorder).

Role of the Workplace
We know that brief Intervention and screening for alcohol use has proven effective for many years.  However, it can be expensive when implemented by a health professional.
Creating conditions for healthy transitions and supportive environments in the workplace for young adults is worth the investment in terms of increased productivity, improved quality of life and lifelong health for employees.  

Workplace Strategy – Website Support
• Websites are often free, making them cost effective. 
• Web based programs are easy to disseminate to employees, while requiring few resources from the employer.
• Web based personalized feedback is not time intensive for the employee, and can have lasting effects with decreased alcohol use especially with those who are consuming high amounts of alcohol. 

Resources Available
• The Alcohol Help Centre  has strategies for reducing alcohol consumption, a consumer support forum as well as personalized tools and exercises that visitors can use. The services are free and anonymous.
• Self Assessment and Self Help online resources dealing with alcohol issues are available from the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health.
• What’s with Weed self assessment tool regarding marijuana and how to reduce risks with use.
• CAGE 2 + Y Screening Tool for Professionals - http://Region of Waterloo Public Health - Information for Professionals

For more information about  Alcohol in the Workplace, please visit our Project Health Resources section, or contact Carol Perkins, RN, Public Health Nurse, Region of Waterloo Public Health, at 519-883-2004 ext. 5441.

References:

Bachman, J.G., O,Malley, P.M., Schulenberg, JE, Johnston, L.D., Bryant, A.L., Merline, A.C. (2002). The decline of substance use in Young Adulthood, Changes in Social Activities, Roles, and  Beliefs, Mahway, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers

Bray, J. W., Galvin, D. M., and Cluff,  L. A., Eds.(2011). Young Adults in the Workplace: A Multisite Initiative of Substance Use Prevention Programs. 
Retrieved from http://www.rti.org/publications

Doumas,D, M. and Hannah, E., (2008) Preventing High-Risk Drinking in Youth in the Workplace: A web-based Normative Feedback Program.  Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 
Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed  

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2011).   The Chief Public Health Officer’s  Report on the State of Public Health in Canada, 2011.  Chapter 4: Creating Healthy Transitions. 
Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cphorsphc-respcacsp/2011/cphorsphc-respcacsp-07-eng.php

Riper H,  van Straten, A, and Smit, F. (2009)  Curbing Problem Drinking with Personalized-Feedback Interventions A Meta-Analysis
Retrieved from   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed