Thread regarding Chevron Corp. layoffs

I think you need to find another addiction to take away from the alcohol. A productive addiction could be writing? Maybe even going for long runs or walks. Painting. Need to get the negativeness out of the body.

Failing that even video games are a better addition than alcohol.

While I do believe EAP is largely confidential and can save you money by providing subsidized services, if you can possibly pay out of pocket for private treatment I highly recommend you take that route. It's more private and you have control over your choice of providers. EAP is oriented toward relatively short-term interventions which may not be sufficient.

But in the end I think your recovery needs to take precedence over all other concerns. Good luck to you. You're being brave to confront this.

EAP only points the employee to outside sources of help. I'm not sure if they have a sufficiently ample or variable budget that is provided by Chevron. They may be a third party to Chevron and pledge to keep confidential information you give them from getting back to Chevron. If you need help from EAP, reach out directly to EAP. Don't speak to your coworkers or supervisor first. Once you give anyone in Chevron the inkling you have a problem, you may be putting yourself at risk of climbing the list of candidates to layoff in the next round of cuts.

Do you have any friends you trust in management at Chevron? I assume you do not, from your naive trust of advice from HR shills. You should keep your medical issues apart from Chevron. If you fall for the BS of EAP being confidential, and sign up, report back on this blog.

As other's have mentioned EAP is administered by a third party. As a health care provider they are subject to the privacy rules established by HIPAA. You can read more about your rights here: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers/

HIPAA is something that healthcare providers take very seriously. My mother's insurance company would not even tell me whether or not she was insured with them until I provided them with a power of attorney and HIPAA release form signed by my mother. I can assure you that there is no systematic reporting back to Chevron about which individuals access those services.

It may also help you to know that the EAP program doesn't provide any treatment. Their main role is to help you find appropriate treatment and to take care of payment. They will do some initial assessment of your need during which you can disclose as much or as little information as you like. It's to your advantage to be forthcoming but it's OK to say "I don't feel comfortable discussing that." They will help you get in contact with individual therapists and other service providers who can help you. Most of the details of of your situation and your treatment will be between you and your caregivers.

I drink normally too. I don't waste half my beer trying to drink it through my ears or up my nose or the side of my mouth for that matter. Booze is not cheap.

Skip... did you survive the cuts ? I hope so. Admitting the problem to EAP is a big, trusting step. I hope you were helped but not let down. I guess I drink normally now, but I define normally! Best wishes for your future and to anyone else leaning on a crutch during these worrying times.

Absolutely, EAP can help. Or at least the person I talked with did. I was drinking excessively to control my anxiety as a result of the layoffs. I was repatriated back to Houston from overseas, but the anxiety got worse as I just knew I was next. This was self-induced anxiety, but it just spun out of control. My supervisor and HR recommended EAP. Through as series of steps and life changes, I am worry free and drink only occasionally or what some would call normally.

I can't say I have personal experience with an EAP, but I think for the most part, they are anonymous, and they push that, especially in this day and age. They want people to get the help they need without fear of being punished. I really do think your okay.

Good luck my friend!

Yes, AA and EAP are good places for support and help. If you haven't tried exercising yet, that too is a healthy way to help kick your alcohol problem. Cycling, jogging and vigorous walking stimulates the body and mind, as does healthy cooking and a good diet. Good luck my friend. You see? Even on websites like this one, you can find anonymous people who wish you well.

AA is another good option many people like. Very supportive group.

Thank You all for your feedback. I really appreciate it. I know this isn't the proper avenue to seek advice for something not related to layoffs, but I just don't know where else to seek advice (anonymously) from Chevron employees. I really appreciate all of your kind advice. To LWVOi9V-1ldp....No, I don't trust my manager. I'll just have to try and make sure she doesn't find out. Thank You.

Just like the hotline, EAP will be used to eliminate black listed employees by unethical business units. Do you trust your manager?

'To all the others, go get a life and quit posting comments on a webpage that has nothing to do with you. I've read the crap you people post and its sad, just sad. '

Says the guy asking about the EAP program on a message board intended for current and upcoming layoffs at the company!!? Have another drink, son, and try growing up. Your arrogant hypocrisy is exactly why this companies reputation has tanked.

EAP is the best program Chevron has. I had a child that needed it and the program paid 90%. I also managed 70 people and never heard a peep about any of them using it. Completely confidential.

There are circumstances with the EAP in which your participation is NOT anonymous (at least based on some first-hand experiences I was involved in with two CVX employees many years ago (1991 and 1992).

These employees were involved in alcohol-related incidents on company time and on company property. They were give a choice to enroll in EAP (and follow the program requirements) or submit their resignations.

One completed the program (along with his wife - who was also an alcoholic) and stayed the course, turned their lives around and went on to have a very successful career.

The other completed the program, but started drinking again a few years later and was immediately terminated for failure to maintain the requirements of EAP participation.

I mention this for two reasons:

1. I think it is great that you are reaching out and utilizing the services of the EAP, but I would advise you inquire about the difference in program requirements for your situation versus one as described above. I agree with the other posters, your participation in the program should be anonymous.

2. If you are married or have a significant other, I would encourage both of you to participate in the program. God did not put man on this earth to have to deal with things on their own and having someone else in your corner who is experiencing this with you may be what you need.

Best of luck to you - reaching out is the first step and it sounds like you are headed the right direction.

Agree with other posters. EAP is anonymous and info won't go back to your boss or HR. EXCEPT if there is a concern for your health and security of others, so don't make threats at work.

-rwe, Thank you for your valuable post. Very helpful and appreciated.

EAP is a third party service provider. The only information that flows back to Chevron is that someone in a particular organization used the service. Only HR gets this on like a quarterly report. They don't know who got the service or what for. Totally anonymous. Your supervisors and managers will never know.HR will not know your name or what service was used.

I have no first hand experience with EAP (Employee Asistance Program), but like the previous poster said, it is anonymous. Don't talk to your colleagues and so-called friends at work or even your supervisor. Look up the contact information for your local EAP and contact them. Don't elaborate your concern to the first person you talk to at EAP. Only talk to the one person at EAP that can address your concern. I trust that consulting with EAP is and will remain confidential. My advice to you is this: Keep meticulous notes with your interactions with EAP including dates, times, who you contacted by name, issues discussed, what next steps are to be taken. Good luck.

EAP is anonymous and they can get you the help you need. At least contact them and see what they have to offer.