The Problem Drinker in Industry

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Abstract
An individual is considered a problem drinker when repeated or continued over-indulgence interferes with the efficient performance of his work assignment. The authors review the literature in considerable detail and compare the incidence of the problem drinker with other major organizations which have gone on record as to the incidence of the problem as applied to their individual organizations. Thirty-six individual case studies are recorded. The various forms of therapy are discussed. In summary, the authors question the validity of recorded statistics and remark that the only positive statement that can be made is that there are far more problem drinkers than are actually carried on medical department confidential records. The seriousness of the problem is not necessarily measured in terms of total incidence.[long dash]one moderate problem drinker in a key position may far outweigh in importance 10 advanced cases in the rank and file. Certain aspects of present-day methods of dealing with the problem are inadequate. The approach has not been from a constructive point of view. This is true whether one thinks of organized programs for industry as a whole or of specific treatment methods for the individual case. They conclude that the most fundamental approach to the alcohol problem should be preventive which, in the past, has not been the focal point of attack. Ultimately the solution to problem drinking lies in the realm of human relations, the first responsibility belonging to those whose job it is to accept individuals for employment and to place them according to their individual potentialities. The medical department role would then become a relatively minor one restricted to the evaluation of the part the employee''s health status plays in the total picture. Until this broad concept of the nature of problem drinking is accepted, the medical department may, by default, play a major role. As long as this unsatisfactory situation continues, the results will not be too fruitful. Just as the basic causes of the problem are non-medical in character, so the solution is not primarily a medical one. The medical department must accept its present palliative role only to further the basic education of all other component parts of industry in what is their proper responsibility.

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