Substance Abuse in the Workplace - 2219 Words

Substance Abuse in the Workplace: Substance abuse in the workplace has become a widespread problem as misuse of alcohol and other drugs is an epidemic in todays society. The problem of substance abuse remains a serious problem in many workplaces despite of the encouraging efforts by the local, state, and national government. As a result of the widespread and serious problem of substance abuse, especially alcohol, no workplace is immune from the practice and its effects. Notably, because of its severe impacts on both the abuser and the workplace, substance abuse should not be tolerated. Based on the findings of a research, approximately 75 percent of adult illicit drug users and heavy alcohol users are people employed in part time or full time jobs. Factors Contributing to Substance Abuse in the Workplace: While substance abuse in the workplace has serious effects on the employer, employees, and the working environment, there are various factors that contribute to this practice. These factors are associated with the abusing employee and the workplace environment. They include: Workplace Attributes: The working environment is likely to contribute to substance abuse if the culture of the workplace encourages or accepts the practice. The likelihood of a working environment to encourage and tolerate substance abuse is partly affected by the gender mix of its workforce (Drug Abuse in the Workplace, n.d.). For instance, male-dominated occupations tend to show heavyShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse On The Workplace1724 Words   |  7 Pages Substance abuse is one of the largest growing problems in the world. In addition to the growth and wide-spread popularity of alcohol and ‘recreational drug use, the international drug trade and alcohol distribution garners tens of billions of dollars a year in both legal and illegal revenue. This simply serves as an indicator for how common drug and alcohol has become on a global scale. Although there is a portion of the worldwide population which uses substances in a moderated and controlledRead MoreWorkplace Substance Abuse723 Words   |  3 PagesI do not think that there is a precedent for this issue. I see drug use in the workplace as being a distinct issue. It is of sufficient severity to merit its own status in negotiations with unions and to have its own policies. The outcomes are severe amputation, major lawsuits and they need to be dealt with, without leaning on some obscure past precedent as a crutch. Around 75% of all illicit drug users are employed (NIDA, 2008) and that makes this a serious issue for the company, since there isRead MoreA Substance Abuse Free Workplace983 Words   |  4 PagesA SUBSTANCE ABUSE FREE WORKPLACE 1. Describe the effect of illegal or prescription drug and alcohol use in the workplace. How does this affect productivity? 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Ponech (2000) stated that approximately 10% of the nursing population has alcohol or drug abuse problems, and 6% has problems serious enough to interfere with their ability to practice (asRead MoreDrug Abuse On The Workplace Essay1704 Words   |  7 PagesDrug Abuse in the Workplace: The human resource topic I chose to write my research paper on is â€Å"Drug Abuse in the Workplace†. Drug abuse in the workplace is something very common that many of us will encounter at some point. Alcohol and drug abuse has a major effect on employee absence and lost productively that leaves a negative working environment. It is important a company addresses the right guidelines to keep a drug free workplace. Establishing a clear and fair substance abuseRead MoreWorking Under The Influence Case Study796 Words   |  4 Pagesfine when an employee is at home, these substances have no business in the workplace. Being under the influence at work can cause accidents, less production, tardiness or absenteeism, poor decision making, theft, and much more (â€Å"Drugs†, 2015). Employers can combat these problems by utilizing drug testing programs, establishing anti-drug abuse policies, and establishing an Employee Assistance Program. One way to address drug and alcohol problems in the workplace is to utilize drug testing before hiringRead MoreDrug Free is the Way to Be1053 Words   |  4 PagesThere are employees who use or abuse drugs, legal or not, that cause interference within the workplace. According to the Human Resource Manager Eileen Esquer, from Isagenix International, when the use of drugs start to disrupt an employee’s job, they generate expensive health costs and loss of productivity for businesses. A controversial issue in the business industry is with employment drug testing. Companies that organize drug testing will provide safe working conditions. Although, employers whoRead MoreTypes Of A Medical Review Officer ( Mro ) Testing Programs And Require A Drug Lab Certified1674 Words   |  7 Pageshave been ruled in favor of these guidelines. These guidelines include having a Medical Review Officer (MRO) evaluate all tests. The guidelines also identify the five specific substances for use in the Federal drug testing programs and require a drug lab certified by SAMHSA to perform the analytical test. The five substances under the SAMHSA’s guidelines are amphetamines, THC, cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine. Amphetamines include meth, speed, crank, ecstasy, and stimulant based ADD/ADHD medicationsRead MoreThe American Psychiatric Association s Dsm V ( 2013 )1702 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction As the opioid epidemic takes hold throughout American’s rural counties, public health departments are struggling to mitigate the health threats presented by substance abuse and addiction. While detailed longitudinal data is unavailable, many areas that report increased rates of drug abuse also report increased hospital admissions and accidental deaths. While the relationship between these outcomes is not explicit, it is important to implement interventions that address health issues