This book examines the relationship between work environment and employee alcohol use, in particular, employee alcohol problems. The study detailed in the book is based on the premise that work environmental risk factors may influence employee alcohol use, including employee problem drinking. At the same time, the study also takes into account the alcohol problems or the potential for such problems that employees may bring with them into the workplace. The study utilized the conceptual framework of Ames and Janes' (1992) workplace environmental dimensions of normative regulation of drinking, quality and organization of work, factors external to the workplace, and workplace drinking subcultures to extend previous alcohol and the workplace research. Administrative Support Unit and Blue Collar employees from a public urban university in the US were surveyed and interviewed about their work environments and alcohol use. Study findings are presented along with study implications.

Dr. Lisa Berger is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and Scientist with the Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her research includes the study of work environment and employee alcohol use and the effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions.