The impact of drug use in business.
Studies show that an employee’s behavior, performance, and attitude are affected when they have substance abuse problems. Unfortunately, that behavior usually impacts colleagues as well.
Problems resulting from substance abuse can include:
- Injuries
- Fatalities
- Lawsuits
- Low employee morale
- Lower job performance
- Tardiness
- Poor decision making
- Higher turnover
- Mental health problems
Most illicit drug users are employed. The rate of current illicit drug use among persons aged 12 or older in 2016 was 10.6%. Of the 22.4 million current illicit drug users aged 18 or older, 15.4 million (68.9%) were employed either full or part-time.
The financial impact on business is staggering! Each drug abuser costs the employer a minimum of $7,000 to $10,000 per year ($7,000 per National Institute of Justice Study, $10,000 per U.S. Postal Service Study).
What can employers do about workplace substance abuse?
Employers can create a drug-free workplace, which includes effective workplace drug testing, policies, and programs. The purpose of drug testing and programs in the workplace is to educate employees, discourage drug and alcohol abuse, and help employees receive treatment if they have drug or alcohol issues. Psychemedics offers effective workplace drug testing through hair testing, which has a wider detection period and a higher detection rate than urine testing. We also consult with clients through every step from policy development all the way to program implementation.
Drug users impact workforce safety and cost your company in many areas.
