DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE NEED TO BE ADDRESSED

Although we tend to think about young people when we talk about
drugs, the problem of drug addiction is not limited to adolescents.
Drug use affects every area of our society. The workplace is no exception.

The consequences of drug dependency, as is the case with alcohol, are
significant for both the individual and society. For instance, we
know that workers with an addiction problem are 3 times more likely
to be late for work, 2.5 times more likely to be repeatedly absent
and 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident. The result
is a reduced level of productivity and competitiveness for the
company, coupled with an increase in insurance and compensation
costs. Obviously, the workers concerned also have much to lose given
their situation, including their job and the trust of their loved ones.

As such, it is time that we open our eyes and stop pretending that
the work world is immune to the disastrous effects of drug addiction.
Eliminating the problem cases is not always the best option for the
employer, to say nothing about the needs of the affected employees.

It is time to break the wall of silence and to reach out to the
diverse community services that can offer the necessary support.
Health services and organizations dealing with drug addiction can
help to construct a healthy work environment that's to everyone's benefit.