Four chapters present an overview of the drug problem in the United States, a history of occupational response to the alcohol and drug abuse problem, a sampling of occupational response strategies and suggested guidelines for implementation, and policy issues relating to employee alcohol and drug use. Studies of law enforcement officers suggest that the use of alcohol and other drugs is as frequent or more frequent than in the general population. The available data suggest a need for an organized and somewhat standard solution for dealing with the alcohol and drug problem in the professions of probation and parole. General guidelines are outlined which can be taken to facilitate an effective response to any model implemented to combat the problem of drug abuse in the work place. 12 references