Substance Abuse in the Workplace

​Have you ever wondered if substance abuse exists in your workforce or if some of your employees have a drug or alcohol problem? The answer to that question, unfortunately, is “most likely.” Substance abuse is common, and the costs of substance abuse are high for employers. Of all substance users, 68.9% are employed and active in the workplace, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA).  Because substance abuse is so prevalent among working adults, employers must understand the impact that it has on absenteeism, productivity, and efficiency at work.
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Employees with substance abuse issues often:

• Fail to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
• Use substances in situations where it is physically hazardous (e.g. driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by substance use).
• Have recurrent substance-related legal or financial problems.
• Continue to use substances despite persistent social or interpersonal problems that are a result of the substance use.

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