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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Alan Bekelman, Carolyn Lorente, PhD, and Thomas R. Vischi, MCP. Development Services Group, Inc., 7315 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 800E, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-951-0056, abekelman@dsgonline.com

Moderator: Alan Bekelman Discussant: Robert Stephenson

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) have shown that most heavy drinkers and users of illicit drugs are employed. Substance abuse among workers is associated with a variety of negative outcomes. It appears the workplace could be a fruitful area for delivering opportunities for preventing substance abuse. Research indicates that successful drug prevention strategies for workplaces integrate substance abuse prevention and early intervention within broader health and wellness programs. Workplace health programs have been found to prevent substance abuse by providing knowledge and skills directly related to prevention, as well as by encouraging healthy lifestyles. This allows employers to reach a large number of employees and their families. It reduces the stigma and privacy concerns often associated with substance abuse and mental health issues by addressing them in the context of broader efforts to promote health. With the cost of health care projected to grow faster than the U.S. economy over the next decade, research on cost-effective, research-based drug prevention and health promotion is vital. Research indicates that interactive, computer-based health and wellness initiatives provide information and support in a cost-effective manner. This session will describe and present data on the design, use, and effectiveness of interactive, research-based web sites as tools for ATOD prevention, early intervention, and recovery support, as well as health promotion, in the workplace.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the particpant will be able to

• Describe motivational enhancement and social norming theories related to substance abuse,
• Articulate how an interactive health communication website can support ATOD prevention, early intervention, and recovery in workplaces.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of such a tool in workplaces.

Keywords: Worksite, Communication Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation