We all read and watch the drug abuse news on TV channels and newspapers. Nothing is secure from drug abuse. The parents are worried because of drug abuse in school. Companies are worried because of increasing substance abuse in the workplace. Many people are still misusing prescription drugs. Illegal drugs or alcohol are common nowadays. In this article, we mainly focus on the danger of substance abuse in the workplace.Several issues raise concern about workplace safety.
Alcohol and drug abuse at the workplace is harmful to the growth of the company. The workers who come to work under the influence of the drug are putting themselves and the workplace at risk. The employees who abuse the drug at the workplace are low productive. There are high chances of workplace injuries due to substance abuse in the workplace. Companies also need to bear the extra insurance cost because of the injuries that happen due to substance abuse. Companies are losing 100 billion dollars every year due to substance and alcohol abuse in the workplace. The good rehab program can help employees to get out of drug addiction.
Several factors contribute to substance and workplace abusing in the workplace.
1> Workplace culture:
We have found more substance abuse cases in the companies where the majority of the staff is male than female. We have also noticed the higher drug abuse workplace where the work is either boring or stressful. The stressful situation makes the employee abuse drugs to relieve stress.
2> Availability of alcohol and substance near or in the workplace.
We also noticed an increase in substance abuse when employees easily get the substance and alcohol in an area near the workplace.
3> Management problem
Sometimes employees are under the pressure of the boss. They feel insecure when the boss harasses them. So to relieve the work pressure, employees often move toward substance abuse.
4> Lack of security
Lack of security guards and cameras in the workplace gives employees the freedom to carry substances or alcohol. Such employees often misuse the substance during work or break.
5> Lack of policies that prevent substance abuse in the workplace.
Let’s talked about the dangers of substance abuse in the workplace.
1>Substance and alcohol abuse affect brain function and vision. So an employee who abuses drugs has low vision and less active brain function. Such employees cannot understand what is happening around the workplace.
2> It is also difficult to coordinate and work with the employee affected by the drug.
3> Employees who are affected by the drug is less productive. There are chances they will take more time and resources to complete the work than the productive work.
4> It is also possible that employees who abused drugs can commits fraud in the workplace. Individuals who suffer from drug addiction can steal money to buy drugs.
5> Drug addict employees can sexually harass other employees.
6>Drug addict driver can cause an accident while driving the company vehicle.
7> employees affected by the drug have poor decision-making skills. So we can’t expect such employees to decide that beneficial growth.
8> Substance abuse in the workplace degrades the company value. The investor doesn’t like to invest in a company where substance abuse is common.
9> It is possible that drug addict employees will not provide quality service to the customer.
10>We can’t expect friendly behavior from drug addict people. Drug addict person may act rude to customers and other employees. If your friend or employee is addicted to the drug, then here is how you can help an addicted friend.
11> Increase substance abuse in the workplace can also increase injures.
12>Increasing in illegal activities, like selling illicit drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
13> employees addicted to drugs may spend more time sleeping at the workplace than working.
Michael S. Bardwell is a healthcare professional with a passion for advancing patient care and improving healthcare systems. With expertise in patient-centered care and a track record of implementing innovative solutions, he is a respected voice in the medical community. As a regular contributor to TAFMED.org, Bardwell shares his insights on healthcare topics and is committed to making a positive impact. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with family and giving back to the community through philanthropy.