Historically, substance abuse has played a destructive role in the workplace because it can impair a person’s behaviors, emotions, and cognitive function.

When an employee regularly uses or abuses substances, they are unable to be a reliable and consistent part of a work place’s team. This can impact a business’s integrity and finances as well as team morale and productivity.

It can also create safety concerns, and make the employee a liability. This can cause high-quality employees to quit or complain to management. 

This article will discuss the impact of substance abuse in the workplace, and how drug testing can help to maintain workplace integrity. 

What is Substance Abuse?

It is believed that over 20% of the US population over 12 years old use illicit or illegal drugs each year. That equates to over 60 million people. Of these 60 million people, it is believed that nearly 20 million struggle with substance abuse.

But what is the abuse of substances compared to common usage?

Well, it is considered the overindulgence in a particular substance. This may include legal substances like alcohol or prescribed medication. It can also include illegal substances like cocaine or heroin.

On the other hand, common substance use may be a one time or irregular use of a substance. 

While there is not a specific measure for substance abuse, it is known as a pattern of overindulgence that causes consistent difficulties in managing relationships, jobs, school, driving, and more.

For many people, this can lead toward troublesome physical or emotional health concerns. 

In certain safety-sensitive industries like health care, government, education and construction, substance abuse can be especially problematic.

It not only impacts the morale of a workplace, but it also puts individuals in physical danger. For instance, a nurse who is abusing alcohol may unintentionally harm a patient.

Many employers choose to implement pre-employment, regular, and random drug testing in order to monitor employees substance habits. Doing so ensures a safe environment for everyone.

While those with substance abuse issues are able to hide their problem from others, many people eventually develop behaviors that can be detrimental to themselves, their loved ones and their co-workers.

Substance Abuse Evaluation and Testing

In order to maintain order and integrity in the workplace, some employers will ask individuals to have a substance abuse evaluation.

Also known as a drug or alcohol evaluation, this process will help the employer and employee understand whether or not the employee’s substance use is problematic. 

Many employers in safety-sensitive industries will also require employees to agree to pre-employment, regular, and/or random drug testing.

Drug testing is a highly effective way to understand the role drugs and alcohol are playing in an employee’s life. Having access to a high quality screening laboratory can help to build and maintain a drug and alcohol-free business culture.

Substance Abuse Counseling Near Me

While substance abuse can play a detrimental role in the workplace, it is becoming more commonplace to recognize it as a disease.

This has created more compassion for those struggling with addiction. In fact, some employers will help their employees find the help that they need by sending them for substance abuse counseling. 

If you are someone struggling with abusing substances, there are plenty of resources online available to help you. Search, “substance abuse counseling near me” for more information.

Contact Soteria Screening Laboratories Today

Are you looking for an experienced, trusted laboratory that can facilitate pre-employment, regular, and/random drug testing? Soteria Screening Laboratories is ready to help! Our team has been helping businesses maintain their integrity for over two decades. 

Are you ready to get started? Contact Soteria Screening Laboratories today!