The highly addictive nature of substances can create a dependency that is difficult to control. Misuse can also occur when someone uses substances that have no medicinal purpose. Recreational substance use is an example. Often, the consistent misuse of substances creates an unsafe work environment. A recent study suggests that employees who misuse substances are almost four times more likely to be involved in workplace incidents and five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim than non-users. Employees that are misusing a substance miss more days of work and show up late more often than their non-using co-workers. The behavioral characteristics associated with substance misuse vary depending on the type of substance used.
With 23% of employees admitting to using substances or alcohol during work hours, it is clear that substance misuse is prevalent in the workplace, and the potential for injury and incidents is enormous. Substances directly impact an employee’s ability to perform work and their relationships with their co-workers. In addition, 13% of respondents said they had used marijuana at work more than once per month. The trend of working from home indicates that 10% more employees consume alcohol while working from home than those in the office.
It is not only illegal substances that are harmful in the workplace; other substances and their misuse can also be problematic for employers, such as alcohol and prescription medications. According to the American Addiction Center, more than 14 million people in the United States meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Prescription drugs and over the counter, or OTC, products can also easily lead to addictions. Common examples of prescription substances prescribed for medical needs that are misused are often painkillers. These prescription drugs include OxyContin, Vicodin, and Demerol.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?
Get more information about the Substance Misuse in the Workplace Course.