DRUG ABUSE IN WORKPLACE

Substance abuse in the workplace is one such issue that causes a threat to safety
and health of employees.

Substance abuse by employees can cause many costly problems for business and
industries varying from lost efficiency, lost productivity, injuries and increment in
Medicare claims. Misuse of alcohol and drugs among workers create expensive
medical, social, and other problems that affect both employees and employers.
Substance abuse among employees can threaten public safety, impair job
performance and threaten their own safety.

Survey suggests 10% of drug users and 9% of alcohol drinkers has missed out on
work because of hangover, 6% has gone to work drunk or high, 11% heavy drinkers
and 18% drug users skipped work.

Factors contributing are:

 Workplace environment/culture

 Workplace isolation

 Availability of drugs and alcohol

 Workplace substance abuse policies- existence and enforcement

1. Workplace Environment: The culture and atmosphere of workplace can

play a major role in whether substance abuse is accepted and if it’s
encouraged or discouraged, to some extent it depends on gender
proportionality mix of workers. If its male dominated occupation then
chances are higher of substance abuse than a predominant female
occupation or mixed proportion of male and female in profession.

2. Workplace isolation: Jobs can contribute to substance abuse as well.

Work that’s stressful, unpleasant or less interactive can contribute to
employee’s substance abuse.

3. Availability of alcohol or other drugs: The accessibility and availability of

alcohol or drugs can impact worker’s consumption of such products. In
places where alcohol is banned or prohibited, drinking in general and
during work is decreased significantly.

4. Policies and supervision at workplace: Supervision can affect such

activities at workplace. Studies shows that workers at night shift under
loose inspection or under not proper supervision are more likely to drink
than in highly supervised shift.
  Casual substance abusers and drinkers can influence the workplace culture
too.

Prevention:

This measure includes action on prevention, discussion of substance abuse in

workplace, In case of problems arise referral to treatment.

 Establishing comprehensive programs

 Discussion on substance abuse issues

 Responsibility of employee representative in such situations

 Proper controlling measures from harm of substance abuse

 Easy access to helpline and healthcare in workplace as well as referral to

treatment.

 Adoption of workplace substance abuse policies.