Isaiah 5:11 & 22 “’Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine … Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, …’”
This verse is in the middle of a chapter describing the downward slope of the Israelites and alcohol addiction was one of the symptoms of the decline — in this case, the subjects were the rich and powerful.
Principle: If employees are struggling with substance abuse, take corrective action.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 55% of substance abusers work for small companies. That is curious since personal habits and behavior is easy to observe in small companies. Perhaps small businesses are more forgiving and tolerant. An employee of mine “fell off the wagon.” He went from productivity, punctuality, and honesty to the opposite extreme. After many attempts and warnings, I had to terminate him. Perhaps I should have helped him with intervention and treatment.
Assistance In Recovery is a company that specializes in intervention and restoration. Bob Poznanovich, who heads the company, is a man who squandered his own bright future. He was in his mid-thirties, bright and brainy and on a fast track with Zenith. After a couple of years, at a swank cocktail party, he took his first snort of cocaine and fell in love. Within one month his addiction was costing him as much as $1,000 a day. His performance at work quickly began to lag and his personal life came unglued. He lost his job. In a downward spiral, his family intervened, and he entered a recovery program. In time he started a company to help other addicted professional people “come clean.”
There are an estimated 16 million Americans needing treatment but unwilling to seek help. Be on the lookout for people with signs of addiction. Become pro-active for them. You may save a life from disaster.
Discussion:
1. Do you have a personal story from addiction to freedom? Would you be willing to share it?
2. What keeps us from walking alongside others with addictions?
3. What help could you offer a co-worker in need?
