Drug Use in the Workplace

Tuesday marked the 28th annual National Night Out, a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. All over the country, in U.S. territories and military bases and in Canada, communities have enjoyed a night out together to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. The Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition in Carlsbad, N.M., a CADCA member, used this year’s National Night Out to cultivate stronger community ties.

Research shows that 75 percent of current illegal drug users and 79 percent of heavy alcohol users are employed—with many of them admitting to using illegal drugs or alcohol before or during work hours. Join the nationwide effort to prevent workplace drug use by participating in National Drug Free Work Week, held Oct. 19-25, 2009.

Most of the nation´s approximately 16.4 million current illicit drug users and approximately 15 million heavy alcohol users hold full-time jobs, according to a new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Workplace alcohol and drug-related problems cost employers in the United States $100 billion a year in accidents, loss of productivity and related problems. The Department of Labor (DOL), which named Oct. 14-20 as National Drug-Free Work Week, says coalitions can help address workplace substance abuse by educating their community and businesses about the importance of promoting drug-free policies in the workplace. Many coalitions, like the Community Action Drug Prevention Network (CADPN) in Salem, Ore., have developed innovative strategies that not only prevent drug and alcohol use in the workplace but also help identify employees who are in need of treatment.

New national figures released today show a significant decline in the number of drunk driving-related fatalities occurring nationally and in 32 individual states. However, the number of alcohol-related fatalities among motorcyclists is climbing in half of the states.

SAMHSA has developed a series of briefs to educate businesses and organizations about the benefits of seeking treatment for employees suffering from drug and/or alcohol addiction. The 14 two-page briefs outline the financial benefits of helping employees receive treatment for substance abuse and how Employee Assistance Programs can be cost effective.