Through a questionnaire, personnel managers were asked about the necessity of such policies, their adequacy in addressing the problem, communication of the policy throughout the organization, and their attitudes about the efficacy of current policies and recommendations for future development. Overall the respondents agreed about the need for a substance abuse policy and its adequacy, but thought an employee assistance program along with supervisory training were also critical for such policies. However, the managers felt that communication about the policies was less than adequate. Problems involved in formulating or implementing a substance abuse policy involved testing accuracy and reliability followed closely by supervisory resistance and legal ambiguity. Although half of the respondents indicated that no modifications were needed in their present policy; those who advocated change emphasized the need to stress treatment over punishment. Recommendations for implementation of a substance abuse program focused on a careful study of the problem, avoidance of overacting, slow implementation of the program, and legal counsel. Communicating positively to all employees and involving employees and top management from policy development to implementation were also suggested. 4 tables and 22 references (Author abstract modified)