Nearly 75 percent of all adult illicit drug users are employed, as are most binge and heavy alcohol users.1 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.
Employers who have implemented drug-free workplace programs have important experiences to share.
- Employers with successful drug-free workplace programs report improvements in morale and productivity, and decreases in absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover, and theft.
- Employers with longstanding programs report better health status among employees and family members and decreased use of medical benefits by these same groups.
- Some organizations with drug-free workplace programs qualify for incentives, such as decreased costs for workers’ compensation and other kinds of insurance.
If you are an employer and would like information about creating and implementing a prevention and treatment program for your employees, call the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention's Workplace Helpline at 1-800-843-4971. For more information, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Division of Workplace Programs Web site at http://www.workplace.samhsa.gov.
1 Why You Should Care About Having A Drug-Free Workplace Fact Sheet. Drug-Free Workplace Kit. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Revised 07/08 This page has been accessed 1127681times since 11/5/99.
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