Substance and Alcohol Awareness

The University of Utah is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment that fosters productive employees free from substantial job-performance impairment arising from the misuse of alcohol or controlled substances. The University encourages employees struggling with drug or alcohol concerns to consider the personal health and work place risks and to seek the appropriate resources, many of which are identified on this page.

There are a variety of resources available for employees:

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is the first point of contact for those seeking help.  EAP is a confidential counseling service addressing a variety of issues including alcohol and drugs.  The University of Utah Hospital and Neuropsychiatric Institute also offer treatment programs. To ensure the highest level of benefits coverage for those resources, please contact EAP at 801-587-9319 for a referral.
• The University Counseling Center offers support to U students, staff, and faculty to assist with a variety of concerns.
• The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. provides a variety of educational materials, assistance, and resources.
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Salt Lake Central Office offers meetings and a 12-step recovery program.
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides research-based information on drinking and its impact.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse provides information about the science of drug abuse and addiction.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides prevention and treatment options.
• Drug-Free World is a resource that contains many great videos, quizzes, educational information and material, all available online, as well as hard copies available to order free of charge.

Health Risks of Alcohol and Drug Abuse: (University of Utah Health Care)

Many Americans abuse alcohol, illegal drugs, and even legally prescribed medications without thinking about the possible risk to their health and well-being.  Nearly one-third of fatal traffic accidents involve an alcohol-impaired driver.  Even small amounts of alcohol, such as one or two standard drinks, which is equivalent to one or two 12-ounce cans of beer, can affect your judgment and coordination.  Moderate amounts also affect your ability to learn and remember information.  High amounts can cause alcohol poisoning, resulting in death.  Drugs change your perception.  They affect how your brain works, including your memory.  They cause a variety of potentially serious or fatal physical conditions, including impact to blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature, and appetite, difficulty performing tasks requiring concentration and coordination, behavior changes, and even depression, delusions, and other emotional impacts.

Self Assessments:

• University Counseling Center
• University of Utah Health Care
• NCADD - Alcohol Self Test
• NCADD - Drug Self Test

Relevant policies & programs:

• Policy  5-113: Drug-Free Workplace
• Rule 5-113 A: Drug Free Workplace Provisions
• Policy 5-114: Drug Testing
• Dealing with Disruptive & Threating Behavior

If you would like resources for general concerns about someone’s wellbeing, you may contact Human Resources at 801-585-1987 to speak to a Consultant, or call the EAP at 801-587-9319.