Substance Abuse in the Workplace

Substance Abuse in the Workplace

Substance abuse in the workplace is one of the top concerns in the United

States today. “Studies show that 73 percent of drug users are employed, costing

American businesses billions of dollars annually in lost production and staffing costs

(Walsh).” “Due to higher employment rates and rising substance abuse, the chances

that your organization employs one of these 8.1 million workers is greater today than it

has been in the past several years (Walsh).” Studies also reveal that employees who

abuse drugs have a tremendously harmful effect on the workplace. They are more

likely to have extended absences from work, show up late, be involved in workplace

accidents, and file workers compensation claims. Substance abuse includes anything

from drug use, such as cocaine and heroin, to alcohol abuse.

Before I start to discuss the various ways to get control of substance abuse I

would like to give you a small background of the impact of substance abuse on the

world today. The department of labor has gathered some of the following information

and statistics to show the world how it is being affected:

•Substance abuse in the workplace costs are estimated at $100 billion dollars

annually.

•Alcoholism causes 500 million lost work days each year.

•Drug-using employees at GM average 40 days of sick leave each year

compared to 4.5 days for non-users.

•In Ohio substance abuse treatment has shown significant improvements:

- 91% decrease in absenteeism.

- 88% decrease in problems with supervisors.

- 93% decrease in mistakes in work.

- 97% decrease in on-the-job injuries.

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As you can see substance abuse is a very ser...

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... the warning signs and implement a policy to attack the

problem. Most likely it is going on right under your nose and you do not even know it.

Take the time to step back and help your employees, the people that really make a

difference to your company. You never know it might save you money.

Bibliography:

Works Cited

Campbell, Reginald L. Substance Abuse in the Workplace. New York: Mcgraw Hill,

1990.

Harris, Michael. Human Resource Managment: A practical Approach. New York:

Dryden Press, 1997.

Largent, Richard J. Preventing Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Boston:

Houghton Mifflin Company, 1996.

Loomis, Loyd. Drug Testing: A Workplace Guide to Designing Practical Policies.

Chicago: BNA Plus, 1990.

Walsh, Michael J. Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace. New York: Target

Investment Inc., 1996.