Alcohol and drug abuse have greatly affected the performance of many businesses and companies. Although most companies do drug tests on their employees, more than 70% of alcohol abusers in America are employed. Companies have incurred significant losses through high worker absenteeism, theft, accidents, and poor productivity. Apart from alcohol, other commonly abused drugs in the workplace are marijuana and cocaine.
Increased Costs
Approximately $13000 is lost in companies due to costs incurred through drug abuse, amounting to $81 billion in a year. Reckless driving, poor handling of machines, and violence may result in accidents. The company has to pay part of the damage and medical bills. Such costs have escalated recently as more than 70% of people on drugs are employed.
Theft
Theft is also a common effect associated with drugs. Employees may be struggling financially due to expensive drug abuse life. Such employees may steal raw materials, work equipment, or steal from other colleagues to pay for drugs.
Loss of Productivity
Substances such as cocaine and alcohol may act as depressants, making workers less active in their work. This is due to affected concentration levels, errors in judgment, and carelessness. Drug abuse can also contribute to absenteeism and avoidable accidents.
Also, employees who start their day on drug abuse are likely to have long naps in the job, struggle to concentrate, and lack attention to work. Such behavior results in regular loss of employees for, hence, high turnover rates for employers, making companies incur the cost of hiring, training, and interviewing new recruits.
Lower Morale
Alcohol may awaken dispiriting memories such as family problems, financial problems, and other personal problems. Such thoughts make the abusers sad, angry, or aggressive and may start blaming their coworkers for their own misfortunes. Alcohol and drug abuse may also cause withdrawal syndrome and hangover, hence performing duties slowly. Neglect and a slow workforce may force colleagues to cover for addicts, resulting in more work and less morale.
Neglect of Personal Hygiene at Work
At work, workers are expected to display high levels of hygiene and cleanliness. However, when people abuse drugs, they neglect personal hygiene, making other coworkers, clients, and customers uncomfortable.
Injuries and Fatalities
Accidents, injuries, and death can occur to anyone while at work. However, a worker with drug abuse is more likely to cause accidents due to effects of drugs such as impaired judgment, lack of concentration, and lack of coordination and balance. In a company using dangerous machines and equipment, workers with substance abuse may risk their lives as a simple mistake may result in death.
Violence at Work
Drug abuse is among the leading causes of violence at work. Drugs may cause aggressiveness and lack of self-control, leading to violent behavior toward colleagues. Substance abuse may also cause misinterpretation of jokes that may lead to unnecessary fights in the workplace.
Illegal Sales of Drugs to Coworkers and Other Illicit Activities
When illegal drug suppliers realize that people are abusing drugs in a company, they create a way of reaching their customers. This results in more abuse and addiction. Abusers may also influence other workers to abuse drugs.
Addiction and Treatment
Some programs can help a person battle addiction. With the help of a professional, an addict can get inpatient or outpatient treatment. View more on how detoxification along with effective therapy can help you recover from drug abuse. Addiction treatment may seem difficult in the beginning. However, it is possible with persistence and help.
Most companies have hired professionals who help workers manage personal stress to avoid abusing drugs for stress management. Such employee assistant programs also help workers on their way to addiction recovery and create awareness of drug abuse and its implications for work output.
