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Drug-Free Workplace

Substance abuse is a widespread problem in our society. An estimated 14.8 million Americans are current illicit drug users. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA 1996) reported that 77 percent of illicit drug users in the United States are employed. The chances are good that most every organization employs one of these workers. The number of people suffering with addiction is so high at least in part because people are not getting the treatment they need.  Just because someone is at work, does not necessarily mean they are healthy.  They may be dealing with an addiction issue of their own, or that of a spouse, child or loved one.  Any of these situations can impact a person’s performance in the workplace.

How does substance abuse impact the workplace?

Employees who abuse alcohol and other drugs bring their problems with them to work. So much so in fact that the cost of employee drug use to industry is more than $81 billion each year.  Additional costs to employers include lost productivity, higher insurance costs, workman’s compensation costs due to increased on the job injuries and increased absenteeism and turnover.  People using illicit substances are more than twice as likely to change employers multiple times each year as those who do not use illicit drugs. (SAMHSA 1997).
Facts Employers Should Know: 

  • 60% of the world's illegal drug market is in the U.S.A. (with 6% of the world's population)
  • Over 20 million Americans use Marijuana
  • An estimated 6 million Americans use Cocaine
  • An estimated half a million Americans use Heroin
  • An estimated 13 million Americans are alcoholics
  • Almost 1/3 of Americans between ages 20 and 40 have used an illicit drug once in the past year
  • Almost 1/2 of Americans Entering the work Force have used an illicit drug once in the past year.

National Household Survey on Drug Abuse http://www.health.org/pubs/nhsda/../index.htm


Signs and Symptoms:

  • Argumentative
  • Tardiness (from breaks/lunch)
  • Carelessness
  • Arriving late and/or leaving early
  • Moody
  • Disappears from job site

For a more detailed list of signs and symptoms click here.

It is not the supervisor or manager’s job to diagnose or treat a substance abuse problem. If you have a concern about an employee’s performance, you have a concern regardless of the cause. Documenting to find a pattern and addressing the person’s performance are the real responsibility of a manager. Diagnoses should be handled by the professionals trained to do that. The ultimate goal is to get the employee the help they need, while safeguarding the interests and productivity of the workplace.

Foster a Drug Free Environment:

  • Establish a Drug Free Workplace policy and make certain all staff are familiar with it, their rights and their responsibilities regarding being drug free at work.
  • Train all managers and supervisors in how to handle incidents.
  • Provide regular education regarding drugs and alcohol, along with resources they can access for help if they or someone they know has a concern.
  • Don’t give alcohol as gifts or bonuses to employees.
  • If alcohol will be present at an event, monitor its use closely and be sure to provide non-alcoholic alternatives that are attractive for those who have chosen not to drink, or those who are acting as designated drivers.
  • Don’t encourage or sponsor such activities as Friday Afternoon Club (F.A.C.) that focus only on alcohol consumption as a way to jump start the weekend.

 

LCAD’s Drug Free Workplace Program:

LCAD can help train staff and management in corrective review and offers a wide range of education topics for employee training regarding drugs and alcohol.

Price Quotes:
$25.00 for first hour and a half training
$50.00 for three hour training
$25.00 for each hour after that.
Cost of mileage if presentation area is outside of Lincoln/Lancaster County (IRS rate)
Cost of lodging if required to spend the night out of town

Fees include:
PowerPoint presentation
All handouts
Technical assistance as follow up to training

Contact:
Teri C. Effle
Prevention Coordinator
Phone: 402-475-2694
Email: tcirisheyes@aol.com

 

Resources:
http://www.drugfreeworkplace.gov/
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/prevent/workplace/index.html
http://www.drugfreeworkplace.com/