Drug and Alcohol Use in the Workplace

According to federal health officials, drug and alcohol abuse is a major problem in the workplace. About 68% of illegal-drug users are employed either full time or part time, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates. One out of every 10 people in the United States has an alcohol problem, officials said.

Some basic facts:

* Workers who abuse alcohol and drugs are far less productive, miss more workdays, are more likely to injure themselves or someone else, and file more workers’ compensation claims, according to federal officials.

* Employers can’t absorb all these costs, which are passed on to employees through higher insurance premiums and reduced salaries or benefit packages, and to consumers through higher-priced products.

* Hidden costs include damage to equipment, drains on supervisory time and stress to others who continually fill in for absent or tardy co-workers.

Signs of substance abuse include:

* Frequent tardiness or absenteeism.

* Abrupt changes in mood or attitude.

* Frequent complaints of not feeling well.

* Poor relationships with co-workers.

* Uncharacteristic errors in judgment, poor concentration.

* Unusual flare-ups of temper.

* Deterioration of personal appearance and hygiene.

* Repeated or unusual accidents.

* Deteriorating job performance.

* Borrowing money from co-workers or frequently requesting advances on paychecks.

* Using a company credit card for personal business.

Treatment can be successful in helping people with serious addiction problems. After treatment, recovering addicts are less likely to be involved in crime and more likely to improve job performance.

PHONE HELP

Some helpful phone numbers:

* Hotline (800) BE SOBER

* Alcoholics Anonymous (714) 556-4555

* Adult Children of Alcoholics (714) 549-5733

* Drug Use Is Life Abuse (714) 647-4593

* Marijuana Anonymous (714) 999-9409

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse.