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   Steel worker Ademir Canal and milling technician Valdir Ferreira have more in common than just working for the American Tool company in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Both are part of a company-wide programme to combat substance abuse in the work place and both are recovering from alcohol dependency.The programme, "Drug Abuse Prevention in the Workplace", was developed by the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) in partnership with a Brazilian state agency, the Social Service of the Industry of Rio Grande do Sul (SESI-RS). It is based on a model developed by two other UN agencies, the International Labor Organisation (ILO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), and has been adapted to the Brazilian working environment. The programme first assesses substance abuse habits within companies, and then places their employees into three categories: green (people who are healthy), yellow (those who have some problems with drugs and alcohol) and red (those who require special treatment). Ademir and Valdir were both put into the "red" group. Each category has specially designed activities. The "greens" take part in an education campaign and activities that involve their families. The "yellows" concentrate on self-change, prevention assistance and the training of managers and supervisors. The "reds" receive intensive treatment, followed by reintegration into the workplace environment. "I used to spend all my money on alcohol. I don't know how my family could stand me," said Valdir, who is 34 and has two sons. He turned to alcohol because of depression. "My sons were sick. I was not happy in my marriage," he says, "I used to only drink after work or on weekends but then alcohol became something I needed the whole day." Ademir tells a similar story. "I used to live well. When I finished work, I might stop at a couple of bars on the way home to play cards and drink a little bit. Slowly, things got worse and then things started to get difficult with my family." Since Ademir and Valdir turned to the programme, they have been on the road to recovery. Ademir, who has been given psychological counseling, continues to work with a prevention group to help his re-entry into the daily life of a steel worker. Valdir has, in the eight months that he has been sober, already bought a piece of land and plans to build a new house. "Drug Abuse Prevention in the Workplace" caught the attention of American Tool and 50 other Brazilian companies that wanted to increase productivity by promoting a healthier workplace. Collectively, these businesses have seen a 29% decrease in late arrivals, 14% reduction in absenteeism and a 35% decrease in work related accidents. Illicit drug consumption has dropped by 70%. As a result of their success, this programme is being replicated in other Brazilian states and South-American countries. ILO estimates that each dollar invested in the "Drug Abuse Prevention in the Workplace" programme is worth $10 to $15 in increased worker productivity. It also means that people like Ademir and Valdir are living healthy and fruitful lives. FIND OUT MORE about how the UN Works with business and industry to help workers break the cycle of substance abuse. Go to the links next to Ademir and Valdir. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS STORIES: Vaike and Randar make connections Salomon has proof | Abdullah's Cash Cows Photo credit: UN |
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