Posted January 14, 2013 13:12:31 CST

UP Employee Assistance Program – What it can Do For You

by EAP

The scenario below is the first in a series of forthcoming stories intended to inform UP employees about the various services available by the UP Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  The articles will also guide employees on the process of how best to access EAP when personal or work related challenges arise that will not resolve themselves without professional help.

Drinking a little too much – a little too often

Mr. Brown has been struggling with alcohol over the past 6 months.  It has been affecting his marriage of 6 years and his work attendance.  Mr. Brown has been laying off a few times per month due to being hung over and knowing he should not come to work after drinking heavily the night before.  Mr. Brown started drinking a “few” beers 3 nights a week and on both Saturday and Sunday while watching football.

However, over the past 2 months, Mr. Brown has been drinking every night consuming about 12 beers each night and his drinking on the weekends has increased also.  Mr. Brown’s wife is “tired” of his drinking and wants him to get help before their marriage falls apart or he loses his job with Union Pacific Railroad.

• Mr. Brown has never been to Employee Assistance in the past, and has never had a discipline issue or a positive drug or alcohol test while employed with Union Pacific Railroad.

Mr. Brown was present at the staff meeting that Employee Assistance presented at and was given at that time the National Employee Assistance Helpline phone number.  Mr. Brown decided to call that phone number last week at 1-800-779-1212.  Mr. Brown opened a profile and was directed to contact his Employee Assistance Manager for his region.

• When Mr. Brown called his EAP manager, the EAP manager helped Mr. Brown find a substance abuse provider where he resides and that accepts Mr. Brown’s insurance.   Mr. Brown contacted the provider and had an evaluation.  The provider then gave EAP and Mr. Brown his recommendation. 
• The recommendation was that Mr. Brown was to attend Intensive Outpatient Treatment for his alcohol issue.   Mr. Brown decided it would be “best” for him, to attend treatment while staying in service. 

Mr. Brown stayed working at Union Pacific Railroad and attended Intensive Outpatient Treatment three times per week around his work schedule.  Mr. Brown completed his program six weeks later successfully. 

Mr. Brown not only could stay working, and stay at home with his wife, but he is now sober six months later after successfully completing Intensive Outpatient Treatment.

Call the National Employee Assistance Helpline at (800) 779-1212 for help anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  You can also visit the  EAP Page  for more information.