Joe still denied he had a problem and claimed that he could stop drinking whenever he wanted. The manager then removed the keys of his company car from him but allowed him to continue his employment with a desk job at head office. Eventually Joe accepted rehabilitation and managed to remain sober for some considerable time although ultimately he relapsed. Comment Salespeople who travel and entertain extensively without supervision are a high risk group. Although many people at work had known of Joe's drinking problem for many years they had done nothing effective to address the issue.
Denial is a frequent feature of such cases.
The denial was maintained despite severe symptoms and even when challenged with a powerful confrontation. The manager was right to remove the company car keys from Joe. Had he not done so in view of his knowledge he could have been an accessory to any offence of driving a car under the influence committed by Joe. Mike McCann Consultant in Occupational Medicine 2000 Volume 19, Issue no. 1 John aged 67 had been an active man but was now being considered for admission to part three accomodation because he had become unable to walk, doubly incontinent and generally 'rambling'.