Why is abstinence-based treatment important to employers?
Employers need to dictate the terms for continued employment as they are responsible for workplace safety and financial performance. Employers can and should specify abstinence-based treatment as a requirement for continued employment if the employee has been assessed as having an addiction problem. Given a choice to reduce drinking or eliminate it, it’s not surprising the addict will choose moderation. The problem is addicted people can’t moderate or as Eric Clapton explains, “The idea of one drink for me is fascinating and fantastic. But it is also an impossibility because one is too many and thousand isn’t enough.” Abstinence is the safest course and most honest treatment goal. Abstinence, as Renascent’s independent outcome studies prove, is possible for the majority of clients. Furthermore, abstinence does not produce a life of sad deprivation. Quality of life (emotional health, relationships, job performance and health) improves with abstinence – just listen to any recovering addi
