Canadian, Oklahoma 10/21/2009 1:50:18 AM
Employers Can Benefit from Drug-Free Work Week Pointers
Employers Can Benefit from Drug-Free Work Week Pointers
To achieve a drug-free workplace, it is critical that an organization educate its workers about the nature of alcohol and drug use and its negative impact on workplace safety and productivity. SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) reported that of the estimated 17.8 million current illicit drug users ages 18 or older in 2008, 12.9 million were employed either full or part time. With these disturbing statistics for business owners’, participating in Drug-Free Work Week celebrated October 19th through the 25th, will not only increase the well being of your employees, but also their productivity.
Studies by SAMSHA 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 and are more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim. To combat this from happening in your workplace here are some suggested actions to take;
• Implement a Drug-Free Workplace program.
• Promote your Drug-Free Workplace program.
• Train supervisors on identifying workers who have problems related to substance abuse.
• Remind employees about EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and MAP (Member Assistance Programs) if available.
• Offer health screening.
• Publicize available community treatment resources.
• Review your health insurance policy regarding coverage for substance abuse treatment and if it is not covered consider discussing adding substance abuse coverage with whoever handles your organization’s health benefits due to the fact that employees struggling with substance abuse will seek help proactively.
• Allow employees time to volunteer in community drug prevention efforts.
• Distribute a payroll message listing helplines or a reminder about Drug-Free Work Week for employees.
• Hold a social event celebrating safety and health.
If an employee is already stuck in the cycle of addiction finding a drug rehabilitation facility that will return them back to the productive, drug-free individual required for their work and to enjoy the life they so justly deserve is of the utmost importance. “This is where Narconon Arrowhead comes in,” stated Ryan Thorpe, Director of Admissions at Narconon Arrowhead, one of the country’s leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers located in southeast Oklahoma. “We offer employers an alternative to simply getting rid of good staff that can be rehabilitated, and we enable good workers who have become addicted to drugs to return to the workforce, sober and hardworking. At Narconon, our program constantly returns substance abuser to a healthy, productive lifestyle. Seven out of ten of our graduates are still drug-free years after they return to work.”
If you are concerned about a co-worker, friend or loved one battling substance abuse, call Narconon Arrowhead today at 1-800-468-6933 or visit our website at www.stopaddiction.com. Narconon Arrowhead has counselors available to answer questions and offer free evaluations and assessments for drug and alcohol addiction. Narconon has a 70% success rate for those graduating the Narconon program, returning not only to their families but also their workplace drug-free, productive and eager to participate in life.
