Drugs in the Workplace

Approximately 75% of drug abusers in the US are employed (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services), costing American businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and increased health care costs. While large businesses have responded with substance abuse programs, many small businesses have been less responsive. With the rapid increase of small businesses, it is estimated that nearly 60% of workers who use drugs are employed by small businesses (U.S. Small Business Administration) and 14 out of every 100 employees are reported to abuse drugs on the job.

o Sixty percent of all users will sell drugs to other employees and 40% of them will steal from their company to support their habits.
o Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe and healthy place to work that is free from recognizable hazards.
o The US consumes 60% of all the world’s drugs on a daily basis.
o Six million people in the US have a serious drug problem.
o There are 20 million regular marijuana users.
o The US has 10 million cocaine addicts and 500,000 Americans who are hooked on heroin.
o The US has 15 million alcoholics.

The basic classes of drugs:

a. Narcotic
b. Sedative hypnotics
c. Depressants
d. Stimulants
e. Hallucinogens
f. Cannabinols
g. Solvents

The most commonly abused drugs in the workplace include:

a. Alcohol
b. Cocaine
c. Marijuana
d. Prescription drugs (stimulants and depressants)
e. Over the counter drugs