Early Identification of Problem Drinkers in Industry

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Abstract
Work behavior during problem drinking years described by 406 male "recovered" alcoholics. Showed initial ability to keep signs of alcoholism from appearing on job[long dash]3 yrs. or longer in 30%. Rank order of most frequent eventual signs: hangovers, increased nervousness, greater irritability, procrastination, red or bleary eyes, more spasmodic work pace, sensitivity to opinions about own drinking, hand tremors, avoidance of boss or associates, neglecting details. Though often an early sign, absenteeism ranked low in terms of moderate and serious occurrence. Scaling analysis showed substantial absence to be predictive of most other signs; it is avoided until the problem becomes serious. Morning drinking and drinking at work are seen as ways of both managing hangover and of avoiding absenteeism. Supervisors have sufficient clues to probable alcoholism if substantial absenteeism or personality disturbance is accompanied by repeated evidence of either hangover or alcohol in the blood at work.

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