alcohol and other drug problems among addiction professionals

nElements Needed to Inform This Process1. Research Data: We need research data on the prevalence, extent, and effectsof impairment within the addiction profession. This includes an operationaldefinition of impairment that is broad based and not restricted to AOD use.2. Needs Assessment: We need to complete comprehensive needs assessmentsto determine current practices; evaluate their effectiveness; and identifyfactors related to successful professional practice, and those related to practicesthat lead to impaired performance. We need to determine the needs thatmust be met in order for addiction professionals to function at optimal levels ofperformance.nOverarching Considerations3. Standards: We need to establish national, regional, and local standards on impairmentand Employee Assistance Program (EAP) practices for the addictionprofession, and produce an authoritative resource guide. We need to join forceswith other agencies and professional groups to accomplish this goal.4. Fair Labor Laws: We need to ensure fair practices compliant with fair laborlaws in all states. We need to unify fair labor practices under national and internationalstandards.5. Privacy: We need to define ways of balancing personal privacy with professionalduties, responsibilities, and obligations.6. Non-Discriminatory Policies and Practices: Organizations should developnon-discriminatory policies and procedures that prevent and manage problemsthat addiction professionals might experience. These policies and proceduresinclude: (1) consistent codes of ethics and (2) consistent hiring practices.nAreas of Policy and Protocol7. Hiring Policies: (1) These must be consistent with current federal, state, andlocal laws and agency vision, mission, policy, and procedures. (2) They shouldvalue life experience, professional experience, and academic credentials.8. Competency-based Evaluations: There should be a competency-basedevaluation of core addiction treatment competencies. TAP 21 can be used asa guide. Organizations need to develop Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications(BFOQ) for each job category and provide proper orientation of all employeesto all job-related expectations, vision, mission, policies, and procedures.9. Supervision Best Practices: We need to develop written guidelines for BestPractices to guide supervision and professional practices.10. Training and Mentoring: Organizations should provide training programsfor staff, including administration, managers, supervisors, and line staff, with astrong focus upon orienting new employees so they can rapidly become effec-n n