Substance Abuse Policies: Drug-Free Workplace Programs and Support

Substance abuse in the workplace costs American employers $81 billion annually through lost productivity, absenteeism, workplace accidents, healthcare expenses, and workers’ compensation claims. Employees with untreated substance use disorders are absent 50% more often than other workers, file 300% more healthcare claims, experience accident rates 3-5 times higher, and demonstrate productivity losses of 33% compared to non-impaired colleagues.

Yet workplace substance abuse extends far beyond these quantifiable costs. Impaired employees endanger coworkers and the public, particularly in safety-sensitive positions. Substance abuse contributes to workplace violence, theft, quality defects, and customer service failures. The ripple effects touch every aspect of organizational performance while devastating individuals, families, and communities.