Drugs and alcohol in the workplace

Abstract

1. In response to increased costs of drug abuse due to decreased productivity by impaired workers, many corporations, either voluntarily or under federal mandate, have adopted a drug free workplace policy. 2. The main components of an anti-drug program include: management commitment, development of a drug free workplace policy, separate training programs for supervisors and employees, an Employee Assistance Program, and written drug testing procedures. 3. Signs and symptoms of the alcohol and drug abuser in the workplace are subtle. A supervisor or occupational health nurse must be astute to recognize the problem and intervene to provide assistance and counseling before a crisis occurs.