Workplace Drug Abuse

Sixty percent of the world's illegal drugs are consumed by American drug users.  Two million Americans use heroin, six million use cocaine, 18 million have alcohol abuse problems and an estimated 23 million people use marijuana at least four times in a week, according to the American Council for Drug Education.

Of all drug users, 74.8 percent are employed and active in the workplace.  This means that 12.9 million individuals actively use drugs in the workforce, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).  Using drugs impairs decision-making abilities as well as physically impairs people.  This is a deadly concoction when on the job.  In fact, between 10 and 20 percent of American workers who die at work have a positive result when tested for drugs or alcohol.  A study by OSHA states that the most dangerous occupations, such as mining and construction, also have the highest rates of drug use by their employees.

Employers suffer from hiring substance abusers in many ways.  Not only do they run the risk of having deadly or dangerous accidents occur, but substance abusers also cost employers money and hurt them financially.  Substance abusers are proven to be poor quality employees who:

• Have poor work performance
• Frequently call out of or arrive late to the workplace
• Frequently change workplaces
• Struggle with productivity
• File for workers' compensation claims and benefits

Prevention of such problems occurs by implementing an effective workplace drug program that deals with drug testing before hiring, drug testing during employment and consequences for violating the rules.  Large businesses are most likely to have such programs, with from 68 percent to over 74 percent having them in place, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.

While large organizations like the U.S. Military or the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office typically have assessment or drug-testing programs in action, many smaller businesses cannot afford to do so.  This is a critical error, as drug users will generally apply only at places that do not have mandated drug testing.  Drug testing and educational programs have been proven to provide benefits such as:

• Increased morale
• Decreased workplace accidents
• Reduced employee theft
• Increased productivity
• Reduced employee turnover
• Decreased cost of insurance, such as workers' compensation

In essence, drug programs are worth the cost of running them to employers.  They provide a safer environment for employers as well as increase the productivity of existing employees, which boosts revenue.  If your organization needs assistance with a program or suspect drug abuse in the workplace, contact 888-905-4415 or visit www.drugabuse.com for additional information.

LonnieLedford@BlogSpot.com