News / Education
Drug Abuse in the Workplace Serious Problem
Nearly 75 percent of all adult illicit drug abusers are employed
Nearly 75 percent of all adult illicit drug abusers are employed, as are most binge and heavy alcohol users. Studies show that when compared with non–substance abusers, substance-abusing employees are more likely to;
- Change jobs frequently,
- Be late to or absent from work,
- Be less productive employees,
- Be involved in a workplace accident,
- File a workers’ compensation claim.
Some professions have a particularly high rate of abuse;
- Construction workers - 16%,
- Food preparation, waitstaff, and bartenders - 11%,
- Handlers, helpers, or laborers - 11%,
- Machine operators or inspectors - 11%
Employees in companies with fewer than 25 employees are twice as likely to use illicit drugs as employees in larger companies according to SAMHSA.
Good employees are hard to find and managers are often willing to overlook shortcomings to keep someone who generally contributes to the company. However, the lost revenue because of employee substance abuse, though difficult to exactly calculate, is unquestionably substantial.
Drug testing only goes so far and firing otherwise qualified staff is not always the right answer.
During these tough economic times, investing in the right things is imperative. Often times, it is in a company’s best interest to invest in drug treatment for an otherwise loyal and capable employee.
Narconon of Georgia offers an effective drug treatment program and with a 76% success rate, chances are that the employee will turn into a valuable asset. Narconon also works with companies to help them become drug free by education and treatment for the ones who need it and are worth the effort.
Not everyone has to participate in this recession – especially when the losses are unnecessary and easily remedial.
