alcohol and other drug problems among addiction professionals

A p p e n d i x A :T h e T w e l v e C o r e N e e d sa n d P r o p o s e d P r o j e c t sn n nThrough a process of prioritization and synthesis, participants at the symposiumdistilled this information into 12 core needs, and crafted language to articulatethose needs.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.◆Exploration of Collaboration with Researchers: To help bringthis inquiry out of the data-free zone, one participant volunteered to explorethe feasibility of collaboration with the services research field, togather concrete information about the prevalence and impact of alcoholand other drug use by professionals in the field. The services research fieldfocuses on applied research, and on determining better ways of providingservices. With the help of contacts made through the National Institute onDrug Abuse Clinical Trials Network, this participant will work to determinesome appropriate research questions, conduct a brief literature review, anddetermine the need and opportunity for the gathering of empirical data.2. Needs Assessment: We need to complete comprehensive needs assessmentsto determine current practices; evaluate their effectiveness; and identify factorsrelated to successful professional practice, and those related to practices that leadto impaired performance. We need to determine the needs that must be met inorder for addiction professionals to function at optimal levels of performance.nOverarching Considerations3. Standards: We need to establish national, regional, and local standards onimpairment and EAP practices for the addiction profession, and produce anauthoritative resource guide. We need to join forces with other agencies andprofessional 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.n 49 n