Helping Sunderland firms deal with workers' drug and alcohol problems

Sunderland substance misuse service Counted4 created the specialist service to help reduce the risks companies face when drugs 
and alcohol are misused at work.

The programme, Counted4 Commercial, will include drug and alcohol testing, 
support for employees, along with clinical interventions,
 in the hope that it will prevent increasing absence and damage to company’s reputations.

John Devitt, chief executive of Counted4, said: “We are launching Counted4 Commercial because substance misuse in the workplace is a big issue for companies, but one that many do not always know how to deal with correctly. Any employee who is under the influence of any substance is a danger to themselves and their colleagues.

“A strong support system for those suffering from drug and alcohol issues is also a good way for companies to retain staff and improve overall productivity.”

The new service will also provide pre-employment medicals and extensive support before and after testing, which will be carried out by the Counted4 Commercial’s team of healthcare professionals.

Counted4 have said that the programme is not focused on catching people out and losing their jobs, but to help companies deal with the cost of substance misuse to industry in the UK, estimated at £800million per year.

As part of the programme, Counted4 is looking to work with businesses to support individuals in maintaining employment during their recovery.

For more than 15 years the company has carried out half a million tests for alcohol and drug abuse andis supporting 2,000 individuals a year.

Counted4 Commercial is running free breakfast seminars to discuss drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace.

l For more information, visit www.counted4commercial.com/events.php.