Peer referral networks and utilization of a union-based eap

Although peers have always played a critical role in referring co-workers to union-based alcohol and mental health programs, relatively little is known about those referral processes. This exploratory study fills that gap by reporting upon the role of peer referral networks in the Association of Flight Attendants Employee Assistance Program (AFA EAP.) Our exploratory findings suggest that the utilization rate of chemically-dependent co-workers is related to the size of the EAP's network of friends and supporters, quality of labor-management relations, and a positive belief in co-workers' recovery. Overall utilization is related to the union's multiple subcultures.