Outside Help & Consultants

OUTSIDE HELP AND CONSULTANTS

Several sources of outside help are available to employers who want to start or expand a drug-free workplace program. Which source is most appropriate will depend on the type of program and the assistance needed.

FREE AND LOW-COST SERVICES

CSAP's (Center for Substance Abuse Prevention) Workplace Helpline 1-800-843-4971. The Helpline provides telephone consultation to assist employers and union representatives with policy development, drug testing, employee assistance, employee education, supervisor training, and program implementation. It offers resource referrals and free publications.
Local Drug-Free Business Initiatives and Workplace Coalitions. Local initiatives and coalitions link employers who are interested in drug-free workplace programs. The coalitions may provide sample policies, technical assistance, low-cost drug testing services, and ongoing training sessions for supervisors. Some have developed special low-cost employee assistance programs designed for smaller employers. For help with finding local initiatives and coalition:

Look in the phone book under your city or town's name and look for entries like "Drug-Free Business Initiative" or "Coalition for Drug-Free Workplaces."
Call or write your State or county office for alcohol and drug abuse services and ask if they have a list of groups near your workplace.
Call or write your local mayor's office, police department's community relations office, office of economic development, or business relations office and ask if they have a list of coalitions.
Call or write your chamber of commerce, or business or trade association and ask if they have services to help employers start a drug-free workplace program.
Call CSAP's Workplace Hotline at 1-800-843-4971.

Professional Associations. Professional associations sometimes have a list of programs and individuals who provide assistance and referral services for employers.

FEE-BASED SERVICES

Drug-Free Workplace Consultants. Some employee assistance and management consulting firms specialize in helping employers and employees develop drug-free workplace policies and programs. Call your State alcohol or drug abuse agency for a list of employee assistance providers and treatment programs available in your area; they can also provide information about drug testing laws.
Attorney, Arbitrators, and Mediators. Some law, arbitration, and mediation professionals specialize in helping organizations develop drug-free workplace policies. They also can assist in preventing or resolving policy disputes.
Drug Testing Labs. Many drug testing labs provide assistance with writing a policy and doing education programs, while charging only for their drug testing services. Contact CSAP's Workplace Helpline at 1-800-843-4971 for a list of DHHS- certified laboratories.
Health Insurance Carriers. Review your medical or health insurance policies and consult with your carrier or agent. Alcohol and other drug abuse coverage varies depending on the services you want to provide for your employees. Some carriers offer "preferred provider programs," which cover all or part of the costs of alcohol and other drug abuse treatment for employees who receive treatment at a preferred provider facility. Contact your carrier to inquire about options for treatment coverage.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Consultants, attorneys, and mediators: Costs vary from $30 to more than $100 per hour, depending on skills and qualifications. Drug testing services: Costs range from less than $10 up to$35 for an initial screen and $25 to $75 for a confirmatory test, depending upon how many drugs the employer is testing for. Individual addictions counselors: Counselors generally work on an hourly fee basis. Cost can range from less than $50 to more than $100 per hour.	Outpatient Treatment: Usually there is a flat fee for 30 to 90 days of intensive outpatient treatment. Costs can range from less than $2,000 to $8,000 or more. Group addiction counselors: Long-term less intensive group counseling (usually 12 months) can range from $25 to $60 or more per session. Residential treatment: Usually there is a flat fee for 28 to 30 days of residential treatment. Costs can range from $3,000 or less to more than $20,000.

Return to Home Page

Go to AskSARA

Go to Decatur Chamber of Commerce