Evaluation of Alcohol Use Disorders in Workplace Disability Claims

Abstract

This article examines alcohol use disorders in the context of work and disability. The authors investigated the problem from a disability perspective and how to determine if alcohol use is functionally impairing the worker and requires workplace disability. Key identifiers for impairment are addressed, including evaluation of treatment intensity, comorbidities, and functional declines. Return to work issues include how an occupational health nurse/nurse case manager can assist employees in planning and managing a successful return to work, because return to work is a key component of reintegration after treatment for an alcohol use disorder.

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