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Experient Health: “Alcohol and substance misuse or abuse by employees can have serious ramifications for employers. Employees with substance abuse problems are absent more often, have lower productivity and poor work performance, are more susceptible to injury due to accidents and may have higher health care costs. These costs can represent a serious burden to employers, not to mention the liability of a serious workplace accident occurring due to an employee’s impairment at work. It is in every employer’s best interest to address potential substance abuse issues in their employee population and put policies and protocols in place to deal with the issue in the future.”

“Luckily, employers can play an important role in lowering the social and financial burden of substance abuse and guiding the development of a healthy and productive workforce. Employers should consider whether official policy, sanctioned activities or common practices are the best method to create a culture that embraces prevention supports healthy lifestyles. The best approach may be a combination of strategies. Substance abuse is preventable and treatable, with recovery rates comparable to other chronic health problems like diabetes and asthma. If employers incorporate prevention messages and activities, provide employee access to treatment and support employee recovery from substance abuse, they can help create healthier and more productive employees, workplaces and communities.”

The full article lists some great resources to help companies combat substance abuse by employees.