Workplace
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Workplace Resources October 2016
Nearly 68 percent of all adult illicit drug users are employed, as are most binge and alcohol users. Studies show that when compared with non-substance abusers, substance-abusing employees are more likely to:
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- change jobs frequently
- be late to or absent from work
- be less productive employees
- be involved in a workplace accident and potentially harm others
- file a workers' compensation claim
Employers who have implemented drug-free workplace programs have important experiences to share
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- 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