NCJ Number
109685
Journal
Police Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (October 1987) Pages: 30,32
Date Published
1987
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article identifies signs of alcoholism in a law enforcement officer and discusses how supervisors can confront alcoholics and handle the problem.
Abstract
Common signs that someone has an alcohol problem are reviewed, such as major incidents of time off after holidays or weekends or changes in social habits. The author emphasizes that the alcoholic will not admit he or she has a problem and then explores common responses encountered when confronting an alcoholic. The article suggests basing the discussion on work performance and obtaining the cooperation of family members. Research on the quantity of alcohol needed to make someone an alcoholic is discussed. The paper recommends giving alcoholics two choices: to continue as before and expect to lose their jobs, or to go into treatment. Enabling is explained, using examples of colleagues who cover for an alcoholic coworker or wives who call in for a hungover spouse and say he has the flu. Charts highlight signs of alcoholism and suggestions for supervisors.