Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What will DARS do for me?

DARS counselors have personal experience both on the railroad as well as with substance abuse and will personally assist you in identifying and resolving problems related to alcohol or drug use. DARS counselors serve as your link between the workplace and community resources.

How does DARS help?

  • Evaluations – DARS provides personal evaluations at no cost to employees to determine the presence or degree of alcohol or drug problems that may affect health, quality of life or the workplace.  
  • Referrals – DARS will assist in developing a treatment plan including coordination with managed care, treatment providers and community programs.
  • Follow-up – DARS will provide continuing support to help assure long-term success. 

I’m concerned for my privacy. What does DARS do to assure confidentiality?

DARS evaluations usually take place off railroad property and records are kept in accordance with applicable Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (known as HIPAA) standards. Counselors have private offices for confidential meetings or company automobiles to travel to employee locations in outlying areas.

Is DARS available for my family?

Yes – An abusing family member can have a devastating effect on employee health and performance. DARS will provide its services for all eligible family members.

What is the difference between substance dependence and substance abuse?

  • Substance abuse – Frequently characterized as isolated incidents, attributable to poor judgment, causing consequences that can be reversed with proper education.
  • Dependence – Patterns of use over time, progressive in frequency and duration, resulting in recurring consequences. Symptoms can be measured in some of the following ways;
    • Tolerance changes 
    • Withdrawal
    • Escalating use
    • Repeated efforts to cut down
    • Increased time consumption
    • Declining responsibility
    • Continued use despite consequences

Is alcoholism an illness?

The following are disease traits of alcoholism listed by the American Medical Association.

  • Alcoholism can be described and defined - impaired control over drinking, preoccupation despite consequences, and distorted thinking concerning alcohol are frequent characteristics.
  • Alcoholism has a predictable progression - it moves through early, middle and late stages with definitive signs at each stage.
  • Alcoholism is a primary illness – loss of control is not a symptom of an underlying disorder.
  • Alcoholism is permanent-once a person looses control over drinking they will not regain it.
  • Alcoholism is terminal- it is directly or indirectly the cause of death for most alcoholics who do not seek treatment.
  • Alcoholism is treatable-total abstinence from alcohol is the necessary first step in the treatment of alcoholism. For most alcoholics, long-term, outside support is essential for recovery. 

What does alcohol and/or drug addiction treatment consist of?

Treatment for alcohol and/or drug disorders varies and is customized to the needs of the individual seeking help.  Treatment plans may consist of;

  • Education programs
  • 12-step therapy groups
  • Individual counseling
  • Out-patient programs
  • Inpatient hospitalization. 

If I seek help, will I have to go to a 28-day inpatient hospital program?

Treatment plans are based on the needs of the individual and most treatment plans as outlined above do not require inpatient treatment.  DARS counselors will help to develop a treatment plan that is suitable to the individual seeking help and effectively addresses their alcohol and/or drug abuse problems.

Will I have to miss work if I volunteer for help from DARS?

Most employees who volunteer for DARS assistance prior to a rule violation will not need to miss any work,  but each case is individually evaluated. If the employee needs time off from work to receive the necessary treatment, the DARS counselor will arrange for the employee to be confidentially marked-off.

How much does treatment cost?

The DARS program does NOT cover the cost of hospitalization, medical treatment or other outside assistance to which DARS counselors refer participants.  However, employees most often will be able to obtain benefits under his or her medical benefit plan.  DARS counselors will take into account the employee’s financial situation and/or insurance coverage when developing a treatment plan and making referrals. 

If I need to take off from work to get treatment, how long will I be off?

The time varies and is based on the needs of the employee. To the extent necessary for treatment and rehabilitation the employee will be granted unpaid leave.  DARS counselors will help to insure that the time needed off work is both personally and medically appropriate. 

Will I receive any sickness benefits if I need to take off work for drug or alcohol treatment?

Most employees will qualify for sickness benefits and DARS counselors will assist employees in identifying benefits to which they may be entitled and help them process initial claims.

If I enter the DARS program, how long will I be in the program?

Addictive disease is a progressive and lifelong illness that can only be arrested, not cured. Long-term follow-up  care has proven to increase the likelihood of success. Therefore, the DARS program provides at least 5 years of regular contact and follow-up support, but DARS services can be extended depending on the needs of the employee.

My supervisor recommended that I contact DARS, am I required to call?

You should seriously consider accepting the recommendation because supervisors have been trained in recognizing possible alcohol and/or drug abuse problems based on work performance issues. Sometimes the underlying cause of poor work performance is due to an alcohol and/or drug abuse problem.  DARS can help an employee to identify and resolve these problems and thus help the employee improve his/her work performance.  You are not required to accept the DARS referral from your supervisor but you are responsible for your work performance.

If I need help with an alcohol/drug problem, am I required to contact DARS?

DARS is a voluntary service and employees are not required to contact DARS.  The most important thing is to get help if you think you have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs.  Other resources available may include your mental health insurance provider, local mental health or substance abuse treatment providers and community based services.

What happens when an employee accepts DARS assistance after being charged with Rule G?

Information concerning the DARS program and employees charged with Rule G can be found in the Norfolk Southern Safety & General Conduct Rules, DARS Program summary plan description under the section “Entry After Dismissal For Violation of Rule G and Return to Service for Certain Employees”

How many times can I join the DARS program?

Usually “joining” DARS is a one-time event. However, addictive disease is a chronic illness and there are instances of reoccurrence. Generally an employee in relapse may utilize DARS without consequence, unless there has been a rule violation connected with return to use of alcohol or drugs. Individual needs will always be reassessed and treated using medical criteria. DARS can not be an enabler for repeated relapse if the employee is unwilling to participate in appropriate treatment. 

How do I help my friend/co-worker that may have an alcohol or drug problem?

If a co-worker has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it is not just the person with the problem that is affected. Due to the emotional turmoil, monetary and behavioral problems that often accompany alcohol or drug abuse, the entire work place is affected to some degree.  DARS counselors can help evaluate your particular situation and explore options to assist you develop an effective strategy to help the person with the problem.

What should I do if I suspect my co-worker is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at work?

An employee under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work places himself, the public and your safety at risk.  You should immediately contact your supervisor and report your concerns.  The supervisor will then determine if the employee is fit for duty.

I don’t want to get my co-worker in trouble; isn’t it the supervisor’s job to make sure that employees are fit for duty? 

By not taking action, you are placing yourself, your co-workers, the public and the company at high risk of accidents and/or injuries.  By informing your supervisor of your concerns, you are protecting everyone including the co-worker.  If the co-worker is removed from service due to being under the influence, as a result of your report, the rule violation may be waived under the Co-Worker report policy and the employee will receive help and assistance through DARS.

I recently received a DUI while off duty; must I report it to the company?

Each department has its own policy and/or reporting requirements concerning employees arrested for driving under the influence.  You should contact your supervisor and/or union representative for your department’s requirements. However, you should be aware that a DUI arrest may indicate the presence of a current or developing problem with alcohol.  DARS is available to help you determine if you have an alcohol problem and assist in addressing the issue if needed.