[widgeon13]

Chances are if you see this (repetitive excessive drinking or hungover) behavior at work, others do as well. You can walk away and not take any responsibility for helping him, that is most likely what others are doing, or you can take a step to help him recognize his problem. Depends on which option you are comfortable with. Much depends on the maturity of the supervisor and programs available for treatment in your organization as well as the potential for the employee long term. It's a complex issue.

I have dealt with a number of similar situations, most where people worked for me in a sales organization. Excessive consumption was always a problem for some since expense accounts can be good place to bury these problems. Over the course of my career, I had to deal with two specific cases, one was a guy who was actually my manager early in my career and ended up working for me, another case was an older employee who had a previous DWI and had been mugged a couple of times while traveling. He ended up working for me and I had to deal with the problem because it was so obvious.

In my situation, I was concerned for the physical well being when they were traveling and representing the company. Situation was complicated further because the customers loved to be with these guys, they were the life of the party, until they got really shltfaced and then either got belligerent or too drunk to drive. Anyway it was a safety issue.

I confronted them and held my ground, I had evidence (documentation) and told them either they had to address the situation or find another company for employment. We would get them treatment or they could deal with the situation on their own but their behavior would be checked.

Each situation is unique and if the organization is in denial as well, I would steer clear of confrontation, either with the individual or his supervisor. I had a very supportive environment and since I was an officer of the company, I had a good deal of latitude in dealing with both situations.

In the end, both individuals eventually thanked me and were appreciative of the company for helping them confront the situation. In the early stages, it was not a pretty situation or easy to deal with.

They are all tough situations especially when it is a manager above you.