Substance Misuse In The Workplace

The prevalence of American adults with substance use disorders (SUD) who are currently employed is 13.5 million (8.7% of the population). These employees miss an average of 22 days annually, which equates to twice the number of days that employees without SUDs miss.

Affected employees work in all fields, but the industries with the highest percentage of employees with SUDs are:

  • Construction
  • Entertainment
  • Recreation
  • Food service

Addiction in the workplace can lead to loss of productivity and revenue, as companies cover costs associated with healthcare, disability, and worker’s compensation. Reports claim the costs of alcohol abuse in the workplace costs the US economy nearly $250 billion a year. Of that, 62% is directly related to lost productivity.

Workplace Drug Abuse Effects

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reports drug and alcohol abuse impacts the workplace in numerous ways, including:

  • Increased accident and injury rates
  • Accidents that end in fatalities
  • Absences
  • Lower productivity
  • Disciplinary issues
  • Poor coworker and staff relationships
  • Lower employee morale

Signs Of Workplace Substance Abuse

Most people try to hide substance and alcohol misuse from employers and coworkers. However, there are signs to look for if it is suspected someone has a problem, including:

  • Avoiding coworkers or isolating themselves
  • Blaming coworkers for mistakes they made
  • Frequently being late to work or leaving early
  • Being absent from work
  • Declining personal appearance or hygiene

  • Complaining of failing relationships at home
  • Taking frequent time off for vague illnesses
  • Smelling of alcohol
  • Changing moods and behaviors
  • Showing aggression toward coworkers

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Alcohol In The Workplace

Consuming alcohol before or during work is a sign of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). It greatly impacts productivity and may add pressure and responsibility to your coworkers if they are expected to cover your responsibilities. Poor performance at work may also lead to termination.

Some people with AUD may consider themselves functional alcoholics and believe that they can perform well at work and continue to drink excessively, which can lead to denial of acknowledging that their drinking is dangerous.

If someone must drink immediately after work to “unwind” and gets irritable if they have to work late, this can be a major sign for concern.

Opioids In The Workplace

The National Safety Council reports that 75% of employers state opioid misuse affects their workplace. Opioid misuse impacts worker’s compensation, with a review of worker’s compensation claims showing that 32% of the claimants with prescriptions had at least one opioid prescription. Similarly, workers on disability with back injuries with an opioid prescription have longer terms of disability than those without an opioid prescription.

Other factors such as geographic location, employee demographics, and size of the company can all contribute to an opioid problem in the workplace. Examples include:

  • Smaller companies tend to have higher opioid use rates.
  • Older workers hold more opioid prescriptions than younger workers.
  • Areas with low rates of health insurance coverage had higher opioid prescriptions.
  • Rural areas have more workers with prescription opioids than urban areas.

Medical And Recreational Marijuana Use In The Workplace

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports marijuana is the most used illicit drug among Americans. In a survey, more than 43 million people said they used marijuana in the past year. Of this number, 18% of adult users had full-time jobs, while 21% had part-time jobs.

With many states legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes, employers are facing safety concerns. Even though marijuana may be legal, it still causes significant impairment. Studies reveal numerous adverse events related to marijuana use in the workplace, such as:

  • Sedation due to marijuana use makes it hard for workers to be alert, maintain focus, and react appropriately to situations. It also impacts how a person makes decisions.
  • Nausea and vomiting causes workers discomfort and impairs their ability to function. Weakness, fatigue, and other symptoms are associated with nausea and vomiting. They increase the risk of injuries, poor decision-making, and absenteeism.
  • Dizziness resulting from marijuana use on the job can lead to falls, fainting, inability to operate machinery, and lack of concentration.
  • Euphoria causes reduced reaction time, making it dangerous to operate machinery.

Job Stress And Substance Misuse

Jobs in industries with increased hazards and risks tend to be more stressful for employees. How the employee perceives the stress and copes with it are the indicators most likely to influence substance misuse.

Research shows there is a connection between perceived job stress and substance misuse. Here are a few examples of the findings:

  • Urban police officers binge drink more than the general population
  • Prison wardens had an increase in smoking and alcohol consumption
  • Bartenders reported drinking on the job, including binge drinking

Other industries with a correlation between perceived high work stress and addiction include firefighters, truck drivers, construction workers, and journalists.

Addressing The Issue

Everyone working in a company must take responsibility when it comes to addressing drug and alcohol issues by fulfilling their designated job.

  • Leaders set the tone for what is expected regarding drug and alcohol use in the workplace.
  • Human resources staff communicate what is expected from all employees. They ensure everyone understands the policies relating to their work performance.
  • Supervisors oversee keeping the work environment safe. They must know and abide by the policies, directly communicate with the employees, and advocate for employees needing help.
  • The employee is responsible for understanding laws and policies regarding substance misuse and the job.

Implementing A Substance Use Policy

The CDC recommends implementing a recovery-supported workplace to prevent addiction in the workplace and lower barriers for those seeking treatment and maintaining recovery. To create a recovery-supported workplace policy, they suggest the following:

  • Communicate the policies with every employee
  • Train all supervisors and employees
  • Evaluate the workplace to identify factors or hazards that may lead to substance misuse
  • Promote a healthy work environment
  • Reduce stigma
  • Inform employees of recovery resources

  • Utilize an employee assistance program
  • Offer health and well-being programs
  • Offer employment to individuals in recovery
  • Identify and eliminate norms or rituals that promote drinking or drug use
  • Focus on the prevention of future employees misusing substances in the workplace

Find More Information On Addiction In The Workplace

If you are concerned that substance misuse has become an issue for an employee, a coworker, or yourself, help is available.

Contact a treatment provider today. They can help answer your questions, explore your treatment options, and support you on the journey to a more stable, addiction-free future.