Chestnut Global Partners Contributes to Landmark Book on Reducing Alcohol Dependence Across the Russian Federation
Bloomington, IL (PRWEB) July 14, 2015 -- Based on its role in the successful implementation of an occupational substance abuse program for one of Russia's largest manufacturing companies, Chestnut Global Partners (CGP) was asked to contribute to a landmark book designed to address and reduce alcohol dependence across the nation. Prepared and published by the Board for Management and Development, a Russian non-governmental organization (NGO), the book is titled, "Early Detection and Effective Provision of Aid in Alcohol Abuse: International Approaches and Perspectives of their Application in the Russian Practice." The book has been distributed to professionals across the Russian Federation whose work is devoted to help with alcoholism and/or alcohol dependence.
Alcohol consumption in the Russian Federation is more than double the critical level set by the World Health Organization (WHO). While substance abuse programs have a long history in the West, implementation of a worksite-based intervention service is new in Russia, which allows the unusually high incidence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) to go unchecked, undertreated, even overlooked – leading to numerous and costly health and safety issues. CGP's contribution to the book was based on its collaboration with its Russia-based EAP partner Corporate Health, who together implemented the proven, early intervention model used in the U.S. and the West for several decades, which they adapted to the Russian cultural context. In its first year of operation at the Russian manufacturing company, employees receiving worksite counseling and support curbed their drinking significantly, resulting in a drop in absenteeism and presenteeism 30 days after intervention. The program's success provides further validation of CGP's “glocal” model wherein local resources and centralized coordination provide timely, culturally-aware services that overcome long-established barriers to behavior change.
"We were greatly honored to be asked to contribute to this landmark book, which should go a long way in breaking through long-held cultural norms that have made alcohol dependence and abuse part of Russia's social fabric for decades -- indeed, for centuries," said Russ Hagen, CEO of Chestnut Global Partners. "Russian culture typically discourages the use of behavioral health services and individualistic approaches, even when someone is dealing with a personal problem such as alcohol abuse. The cultural aspect of the program we implemented at the manufacturing company was critical to its success, and very much informed our contributions to the book."
The book provides an overview of international approaches to early detection and treatment, programs currently in place to help the alcohol dependent in Russia, and recommendations on implementing Western models in decreasing alcohol consumption in Russian practice.
About Chestnut Global Partners
Chestnut Global Partners (CGP) is a behavioral health organization based in Bloomington, IL that offers a full range of culturally aware employee assistance and related workplace services. CGP combines EAP with wellness, disability, high risk maternity, employees safety and compliance management programs, designed to promote employee well-being, improve performance and reduce absenteeism.
Chestnut Global Partners serves companies in over 140 countries, including Brazil, China, India, Mexico and Russia, as well as companies across Central Europe. CGP also supports Native American Tribes and Casinos in North America. Chestnut Global Partners’ Division of Commercial Science develops and deploys scientific assessment technologies, outcome measures, and analytical methodologies so that EAPs, wellness companies, disease management entities and purchasers the world over can determine the effects and/or worth of their programs. For more, visit http://www.chestnutglobalpartners.org.
Charles Epstein, BackBone, http://www.backboneinc.com, (561) 470-0965, [email protected]
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