This study explores supervisor’s experiences and perceptions of substance dependency and abuse within an organisation, the strategies used by these supervisors in dealing with substance-related incidents and their perceived effectiveness of the employee assistance programs utilised. Qualitative methodology was employed and semi- structured interviews were conducted. A non-probability sampling technique was used and a convenience sample comprising of 9 participants was selected from a single organisation in central Durban. The data obtained was then qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that substance abuse and dependency were present within the organisation but not a prevalent problem. Supervisors were well versed in company policies and responsive to employee substance related issues. Furthermore, supervisors perceived the organisations employee assistance program utilised as highly effective. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Relatively little is known about Canadian casino employees. The present study is a broad-based investigation intended to shed some light on this population. There were several specific areas of investigation. These included job satisfaction, substance use and abuse, gambling behaviour, gambling attitudes and beliefs, and problem gambling status. Because of this high-risk group’s excessive exposure to gambling, casino employees’ gambling behaviour may be indicative of the general adult population’s future gambling behaviour. Although there is some prior evidence of higher rates of problem gambling in this population, the causal direction of this relationship is not well established. That is, does working in a casino place employees at a higher risk for problem gambling, or does the industry actually attract problem gamblers? The present study investigated the characteristics of 123 Canadian casino employees from two Alberta casinos. The study aimed to establish the actual impact of casino employment on substance use and gambling behaviour by means of a follow-up questionnaire that was distributed six months after the baseline questionnaire was collected. The results of the follow-up questionnaire tentatively suggest that problem gamblers are attracted to the casino industry, rather than the casino industry placing its employees at a higher risk for problem gambling. The study also found that Northern Albertan casino employees have higher rates of smoking, alcohol use, illicit drug use, medication use, gambling, and problem gambling than the general Albertan workforce. / viii, 140 leaves ; 29 cm. --