Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace

Use of Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace {draw:frame} {draw:frame} Figure 2 79% of binge drinkers are members of the workforce (Drug-Free Workplace) {draw:frame} {draw:frame} Drug and/or Alcohol Use Seriously Threatens Organizations {draw:frame} Excessive absenteeism, which holds a significantly percentage of occurrences of drug users as cited above, costs an organization lower productivity, damaged moral and consequently lower product quality. The US Dept of Labor reports that annually, 500 million work days are lost solely due to alcoholism. In addition to absenteeism lowering moral, workplace theft is an experienced and related problem. Approximately 18% of cocaine users steal at work, from either the employer or their co-workers (Facts for Employers). Programs Focus on Testing to Reduce or Eliminate These Problems Reasons For and Methods of Drug Testing in the Workplace Typical drug screens detect the presence of several drugs in the body. Although tests can be specifically designed, the most typical tests are designed to detect alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamines, morphine, opiates and PCP (Gottlieb). In addition to the above list of common drugs, tests can be designed to detect the use of prescription medications often usedfor recreational use. In many cases, such as the MUST Program, the consequences of positive test results often result in immediate suspension or permanent discharge (Policy; XXXX, Interview). Opposition to Drug Testing Conclusion Although not a position embraced by the American Civil Liberties Union and other various opponents, the use of drugs and alcohol in the work place has been reported to be rampant and dangerous. It is a multi-billion dollar problem to all organizations, of all sized and within all industries. The concerns associated with workplace drug use are financial, physical and safety issues. Summary Since the 1970’s, drug use in the workplace has

Cited: XXXX, XXXX Personal Interview 4/1/09 "Drug Testing - A Bad Investment". American Civil Liberties Union. 4/8/09 http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/testing/10842res20021021.html. "Drug Testing in the Workplace". ACLU. 3/17/09 < http://www.lectlaw.com/files/emp02.htm>. "elaws - Drug-Free Workplace Advisor". US Department of Labor. 4/11/09 http://www.dol.gov/elaws/asp/drugfree/benefits.htm. Gottlieb, Mark. "Drug Testing - An Industry Standard". MSG Accountants, Consultants & Business Valuators. 3/17/09 http://www.msgcpa.com/general.php?category=Industry+Library&headline=Drug+Testing. "How Drug Testing Works". Prevention Not Punishment. 3/16/09 http://www.preventionnotpunishment.org/howsdt.html. Menzo, XXXX PersonalInterview 4/13/09 Richardson, Wendy Telephone Interview, 4/14/09