Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) have been known for many years to assist employers and employees in dealing with the issue of substance abuse in the workplace. EAP make counselors and resources available on a 24/7 basis to refer employees and/or their family members for treatment and to help employers and supervisors make referrals. EAPs offer help for any number of problems in addition to substance abuse, including marital problems, emotional disorders, stress disorders, referral for legal and financial concerns, etc. Anything that may interfer with an employee's job performance, but is not directly related to work. Most EAPs also provide immediate on-site response for a critical incident that effects the whole workplace and training on wellness topics for employees and employers alike.
Many large organizations have in-house EAPs while smaller employers contract with EAP companies that provide services to several employees. EAPs were started in the 1970's in response to substance abuse issues in the workplace, and now provide solutions to a variety of problems.