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Albertans And Addiction
May 30 2007
More Albertans seek treatment for substance abuse than other Canadians
Red Deer, AB A new study on the health and well-being of working Albertans is showing almost twice the national rate of reporting addiction problems and substance abuse issues through Employee Assistance Programs.
"We are seeing a very unusual trend here, and it is likely linked with Albertas sudden growth", says Rod Phillips, President and CEO of Shepell·fgi. "We are seeing a number of people coming to this province for great jobs and great opportunities but at the same time they are under a lot of stress and dont have their normal support systems available."
The very latest research from the Shepell·fgi Research Group shows Albertans accessed Employee Assistance Programs for help with addiction problems at a rate of 2.0 per cent for alcohol abuse almost twice the national rate of 1.2 per cent. Addiction problems with illicit drugs were also much higher than the national average at 1.4%, versus a national average of 0.9%.
"This is not necessarily negative news," added Phillips. "People are seeking treatment either for themselves or a family member they are reaching out to get the help they need and that is a very positive sign.."
Shepell·fgis research also shows overwhelmingly more young men are seeking help, and that specifically men under 30 are seven per cent more likely to seek help than in the rest of Canada. Overall, men in Alberta are 10% more likely to seek help than in other parts of the country.
"Were also seeing that a quarter of those seeking help from their Employee Assistance provider have been with their company for less than a year. Thats a significantly higher rate than in other provinces." said Paula Allen, Shepell·fgis Vice President of Health Solutions and Research. "This really shows that provinces like Alberta are unique and their health issues must be addressed at a regional level."
"There is truly no "head office answer" to keep these employees healthy and happy."
The study is part of a larger report from Shepell·fgi that looks at the health of employees region by region. The full report will be released nation-wide on June 27th.
For more information or an electronic copy of the study, please contact:
Rosalind Robertson
PR and Events Manager, Shepell·fgi
rrobertson@shepellfgi.com
Phone: (403) 294 0362
Mobile: (416) 558 3117
About Shepell·fgi and the Shepell·fgi Research Group
Shepell·fgi is Canadas leading provider of workplace health services, including prevention-focused Employee Assistance Programs. The company services over six million employees and their families across Canada, the United States and internationally. Shepell·fgi helps organizations maintain healthy employees and healthy workplaces.
The Shepell·fgi Research group, a division of Shepell·fgi, has a mandate to educate employers and business leaders on physical, mental and social health issues as these factors impact employees, their families and their workplaces. The Shepell·fgi Research Group offers a precise understanding of health and wellness trends by conducting sector and issue-based analysis. Since 2004, the Shepell·fgi research group has published thirteen issues based reports and seven sector based reports. www.shepellfgi.com
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