Drug Abuse in the Workplace

The stereotypes of drug addiction are just that – stereotypes. Drug addiction doesn’t pick and choose a particular lifestyle to attack. It is an equal opportunity disease. An addict isn’t always homeless, uneducated, or unemployed. Many addicts are very high functioning members of society. Approximately 75% of adults who abuse drugs are employed full time according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Common indicators of an employee drug abuser is frequent changes in employment, frequently late to work or absent, less productive, work place accident prone leading to workman’s compensation claims, extended breaks and lunches, unauthorized frequent breaks, avoidance of supervisors after break or lunch, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss or gain, poor attitude, attitude changes, and extreme mood swings, erratic behavior, and stealing. However, some employees may show little to no noticeable indications at all. They have grown very good at hiding their problem and covering the signs.

When you suspect an employee of using drugs on the job or signs of drug abuse it is not always easy bringing the subject to the table. However, if the use of drugs or alcohol has an impact on the employees work performance, places the employee at physical danger performing their duties, or puts other employees at physical or interpersonal risk, the employer needs to intervene.

If a workplace drug policy is not already in place it is imperative that one becomes implemented. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly a third of illicit drug users said they would be less likely to work for employers who conducted random drug testing. However, even with solid policies in place, workers who abuse drugs under the guise of bettering work performance will explain away the policy in their mind and continue to use. Prescription drug abusers will use the guise as it is “prescribed medication” and continue to use as well regardless of a policy. So although it will not deter all, it will lessen the numbers.

When you have a suspected drug abuser amongst your staff, you will need to confront the employee about your suspicions. Offer the employee assistance in seeking drug rehabilitation and then initiate random drug testing with consequences for positive drops. The employer will need to begin dealing with the employee’s drug use by no longer enabling the employee and holding them accountable for their actions – unexcused/unexplained absence, tardiness, performance, etc. Drug use in the workplace not only affects the users but the entire operation, from other employees, risks factors, and the bottom dollar.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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