An approach to alcoholism in a university medical center complex

We developed a three-part approach to the problem of alcoholism among the employees and faculty of the Vanderbilt University and Medical Center. This included identification of faculty and staff with problem drinking, guidance of those identified for rehabilitation, and an educational program for students. Forty university employees (37 staff and three faculty) with problem drinking were identified and referred for rehabilitation. The principles of employee assistance used successfully in industry were applied in this employee group. The 65% "job rehabilitation" rate is comparable with that achieved in industrial employee assistance programs. Identification and rehabilitation of faculty in the university required special approaches. The educational program for students as part of the medical school elective curriculum was attended by most of the first- and second-year medical students.