The supervisor's role with the problem drinker employee

In a large company, a group of problem drinker employees selected from the Alcoholic Rehabilitation Program at Illinois Bell, and a group of supervisors of such employees were participants in the study. Questionnaires as well as interviews were utilized. Comparative tables were discussed. A definite, yet flexible role of the supervisor was seen operative throughout the different processes of recognition, confrontation, referral, and treatment. Certain conclusions were drawn from the perspective of the patients, the supervisors, and the company.