This document discusses the harmful effects of substance abuse in the workplace. It notes that 10% of U.S. workers abuse drugs or alcohol, costing over $50 billion annually in lost productivity. Substance abusers are generally less productive, make more mistakes, have more accidents, and are responsible for 40-47% of industrial and occupational accidents. The document outlines company policies for addressing substance abuse, including written policies prohibiting drugs and alcohol in the workplace, awareness programs, disciplinary actions, and rehabilitation assistance. It describes signs of abuse for various substances and provides guidance on recognizing and handling problems.

2. You will be able to:
 Comprehend the harmful impact of workplace
substance abuse.
 Understand the requirements of the law and
company policy.
 Identify ways in which alcohol and drugs impair
job performance.
 Recognize signs of substance abuse.
 Take action to deal with abuse problems.

3.  Scope, cost, and control of workplace substance abuse.
 Effects of alcohol and drugs on job performance.
 How to recognize a substance abuse problem.
 What to do about a co-worker’s problem.
 How to get help for a drug or alcohol problem.

4.  10% of U.S. workers abuse
drugs or alcohol (or both).
 Most substance abusers are
employed.
 60% of workers know
someone who has reported for
work under the influence.
 Anyone can be a substance
abuser.

5.  Substance abuse
costs more than
$50 billion annually.
 Abusers generally:
▪ Are less productive.
▪ Make more mistakes.
▪ Lose more time from work.
 Abusers have more
accidents.

6.  40% of industrial fatalities are linked to
substance abuse.
 47% of all occupational accidents can be
attributed to substance abuse.
 Substance abuse often leads to theft and crime
in the workplace.

7.  Written policy.
 Awareness program.
 Reporting requirements.
 Disciplinary action.
 Rehabilitation.

8.  Protection against recognized hazards.
 Substance abuse is such a recognized hazard.

9.  Prohibits the possession, use, or sale of drugs or
alcohol on company property.
 Forbids working under the influence.
 Provides assistance to employees who want
help for an abuse problem.
 Imposes discipline on those who violate rules
and refuse help.

10.  Has a sedative effect.
 Can be highly addictive.
 Impairs job performance.
 Is a proven killer.

11.  Most frequently used
drug in the workplace
 Is a relaxant
 Impairs performance
 Effects can last for
hours

12.  Causes a brief intense high.
 Can be highly addictive.
 Seriously impairs
performance.
 Increases potential for
accidents and crime.
 Can destroy a person’s life.

13.  Used to give energy or
lose weight.
 Highly addictive.
 Impair job performance.
 Cause serious physical
damage.

14.  Highly addictive.
 Leads to serious
health conditions.
 Impairs job performance.
 Increases potential for
workplace theft and crime.

15.  Distort users’ perception of reality.
 Cause bizarre and sometimes violent behavior.
 Impair job performance.
 Can cause irreversible physical and mental
problems.

16.  Can be addictive.
 Many people use these
drugs for nonmedical
reasons.
 Can impair job performance.
 Can lead to use of other
dangerous drugs.

17.  Early on.
 As the problem becomes
more serious.
 Once a person is addicted.

18.  Ask your supervisor or
human resources for
programs the company
provides.
 Talk to a health
professional or minister.

19.  Look in the phone book.
 Check the Internet.

20.  Express your concern.
 Encourage the person to
get help.
 Talk to your supervisor if
the problem persists.

21.  Substance abuse threatens the productivity,
safety, and security of the company and
employees.
 Working under the influence of alcohol or drugs
seriously impairs a person’s ability to perform
the job well and safely.
 Never ignore a substance abuse problem—take
prompt action to solve it.