ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the function and value of employee assistance programs (EAPs). An EAP is a worksite program designed to help employees with any number of problems that could affect their work – stress, relationship issues, financial worries and substance abuse for example. In order to be consistent with the theme of this book, this chapter will intentionally focus upon drug and alcohol problems, even though EAPs deal just as much or more with other problems not related to drugs or alcohol. A hypothetical manufacturing company is described to illustrate relevant content, and there are three case studies toward the end of the chapter. Information about two employee assistance associations and other references are included at the conclusion.
