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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Deborah Galvin, PhD, Division of Workplace Programs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Room 2-1043, Rockville, MD 20857, 240-276-2600, deborah.galvin@samhsa.hhs.gov

Over the past decade, the start of an important shift in the demographics of the American workforce commenced with large numbers of baby boomers and older generations retiring, being laid off, or moving out of the workforce and the influx of young adults (aged 16-24) more culturally diverse entering the workplace. At the same time, there has been a decrease in employer-paid health care coverage and other benefits. According to the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, individuals aged 16 to 25 are the most likely age group to use illicit drugs, and there is a clear link between the transition from school to work and substance use. This paper will analyze the issues related to young adults in the workplace, the need for new or enhanced workplace programs including health/wellness interventions and drug-free programs to meet the challenges of this on-coming new workforce. Cultural variations and social-milieu will be discussed in terms of their impact on increased substance abuse as well as their ability to create resiliency for this population. The need for training in managing work-life boundaries, time management, and job related skills will be examined in terms of substance abuse prevention and early intervention. Finally, a generalized description of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention's Young Adult in the Workplace program will be described with summary process findings; a brief synopsis of expected outcome measures; and projected research needs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify three critical reasons supporting the need to develop young adult specific AOD interventions for the workplace.
• Describe the youth workplace culture and social milieu of young adults in the workplace.
• List four characteristics of young adult in the workplace characteristics of resiliency.

Keywords: Primary Prevention, Youth at Work

Related Web page: workplace.samhsa.gov

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation