What Employers Can Do about Substance Abuse in the Workplace

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The majority of all drug users above the age of 18 are employed, predominantly full time, according to the Department of Labor. This means you likely work with someone who is currently abusing drugs or alcohol. Drugs in the workplace are a hot topic for many. As you become more aware of drug abuse and addiction, you cannot help but detect signs of it. Most people who own a business or are in a management position need to know what they can do about substance abuse in the work place and the steps they can take to address this growing issue.

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Look for Patterns

One of the best ways to stop drug abuse in the workplace is to be able to identify it. To do this, you must look for behavioral patterns that indicate there is a problem. A few of these patterns include:

Workplace drug abuse can put your employees in danger. Know the signs.

• Poor performance – This is particularly true of employees who were previously excellent and then suddenly declined. This indicates that the employee is having a problem, possibly a problem with drugs or some other issue. By talking to the employee, you can find out which it is.
• Frequent late arrivals – This is a classic symptom of employee drug abuse. They could be late because of the night before or because they lost track of time.
• Changes in behavior – A previously amiable employee who got along with people suddenly becomes irritable and difficult to work around.
• Frequent absences – absences are often explained by illness or multiple excuses. These absences become more and more frequent as the drug use gets worse.

Recognize the Signs of Drug Abuse in the Workplace

Once you recognize the signs of drug abuse in the workplace, you can set up reporting systems and other support programs to ensure that everyone recognizes the signs and employees can get help. Most people who have a drug problem will eventually show signs of it. Some of these signs are:

• Frequent trips to the bathroom or outside – Many drug users start to use at work.
• Financial problems – Borrowing money from their paychecks or other employees,
• Office theft – Things are going missing while that employee is on duty,
• Deterioration of personal appearance – Many drug users stop taking care of themselves.
• Disregard for safety – They may be overconfident and take chances.
• Needless risk taking – Many people on drugs take risks that they should not.
• Avoidance – People using drugs might avoid friends, coworkers, and other people who know them well.
• Blaming others – Placing blame for mistakes and shortcomings on anyone but themselves.

Although no single sign is definitely drug use, many of them together can indicate a serious problem. Each of these signs becomes more obvious as the abuse goes on or gets worse.

Drug Tests before Hiring

One way to prevent drug use in the workplace is to drug test before hiring. Although, depending on your industry, you may be prevented from hiring many of the candidates, which can prevent problems later on.

Random Drug Testing

Random drug testing prevents employees from using drugs while they work for you. This is an effective means to stop employees from using drugs,` but it can cause problems later on. The legal procedures for drug testing can get sticky, particularly if a positive test result in termination. Before implementing random drug testing, it is always good to make sure that you are within your legal right to do so.

Due to the legal aspects of random drug testing, many employers only drug test in the event of an accident or suspicion. Most employees are tested if they are making a workers’ compensation claim or have an accident resulting in severe injury.

Drug Seminars

Holding drug seminars is also a good way for employers to prevent and circumvent substance abuse issues. Knowing how to spot drug abuse, what programs are available, and how to approach suspected employees helps workers understand the procedures and help available. Sometimes knowing that there are options other than losing the job helps employees choose a path of recovery instead of a downward spiral.

Employee Assistance Programs

There are many reasons to have an employee assistance program in place. Most studies show that having a comprehensive drug treatment program increases employee retention. Many employees get trapped in drug use due to the stress of the job or other job related factors. In this case, it is better and more cost effective to retain the employee than it is to train another.

Good employee assistance programs have:

• drug and alcohol education,
• drug and workplace awareness programs,
• assistance for problems related to substance abuse,
• provide confidentiality, which encourages employees to use the assistance programs,
• peer support programs, and
• provisions for in-house assessment and treatment procedures.

If you find that one or more of your employees has a drug problem, it is important to make sure that they get the treatment they need. Workplace overdose deaths have increased by over 530% since 2011 and are now the cause of nearly 1 in every 11 worker deaths. All employers, industries, and occupations experience the impact.  Retraining employees is more expensive and difficult for the company than helping those who you find have a drug problem. Some agencies can help you establish a testing policy and treatment programs, no matter what business you are in.

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