Drug Abuse Costs to Business Put at $30 Billion Yearly

Drug abuse by employees costs American businesses more than $30 billion a year, with nine out of 10 drug abusers high on the job at times, a New York researcher said Monday.

Arnold Washton, director of substance abuse research and treatment at Regent Hospital, said a survey showed that 17% of drug abusers go to work high and an additional 75% use drugs while at work. Almost half of them sell drugs on the job to support their habits.

The survey estimated that lost productivity, poor public image, accidents, overutilization of health benefits, lateness and absenteeism due to drug use costs companies more than $30 billion each year.

For many users, Washton said, the only thing limiting their drug use is money.

The survey also showed that drug use was common in all types of jobs, particularly in those that were boring, stressful or that required vigilance and alertness for long hours.