Workplace Substance Abuse - 723 Words

I do not think that there is a precedent for this issue. I see drug use in the workplace as being a distinct issue. It is of sufficient severity to merit its own status in negotiations with unions and to have its own policies. The outcomes are severe amputation, major lawsuits and they need to be dealt with, without leaning on some obscure past precedent as a crutch. Around 75% of all illicit drug users are employed (NIDA, 2008) and that makes this a serious issue for the company, since there is near-certainty that drug use occurs among members of the workforce. A new policy needs to be created here. There are long-term ramifications of the decision, which is precisely why a new policy needs to be created. The process should be governed by the good of the long-term future, since the problem has the potential to be so significant. Any individual affected now is not relevant, since this policy needs to be established company-wide. Cost to the company is definitely a factor, but we are also committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all of our workers. Knowing that between 10-20% of workers who die on the job test positive for drugs and alcohol makes this a serious issue (OSHA, 2011). How the company handles this decision is going to affect all departments. In this case, the objective is to set company-wide policy. The decision might have consequences outside the company. A negotiation with this union to get a drug-testing program could open the door forShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse On The Workplace1724 Words   |  7 Pages Substance abuse is one of the largest growing problems in the world. In addition to the growth and wide-spread popularity of alcohol and ‘recreational drug use, the international drug trade and alcohol distribution garners tens of billions of dollars a year in both legal and illegal revenue. This simply serves as an indicator for how common drug and alcohol has become on a global scale. Although there is a portion of the worldwide population which uses substances in a moderated and controlledRead MoreSubstance Abuse in the Workplace2219 Words   |  9 PagesSubstance Abuse in the Workplace: Substance abuse in the workplace has become a widespread problem as misuse of alcohol and other drugs is an epidemic in todays society. The problem of substance abuse remains a serious problem in many workplaces despite of the encouraging efforts by the local, state, and national government. As a result of the widespread and serious problem of substance abuse, especially alcohol, no workplace is immune from the practice and its effects. Notably, because of itsRead MoreA Substance Abuse Free Workplace983 Words   |  4 PagesA SUBSTANCE ABUSE FREE WORKPLACE 1. Describe the effect of illegal or prescription drug and alcohol use in the workplace. How does this affect productivity? Today in the United States, 73% of drug users are employed, costing American businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Studies reveal that employees who abuse drugs have a tremendously harmful effect on the workplace—they are more likely to have extended absences from work, show up lateRead MoreThe American Psychiatric Association s Dsm V ( 2013 )1702 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction As the opioid epidemic takes hold throughout American’s rural counties, public health departments are struggling to mitigate the health threats presented by substance abuse and addiction. While detailed longitudinal data is unavailable, many areas that report increased rates of drug abuse also report increased hospital admissions and accidental deaths. While the relationship between these outcomes is not explicit, it is important to implement interventions that address health issuesRead MoreDrug Free is the Way to Be1053 Words   |  4 PagesThere are employees who use or abuse drugs, legal or not, that cause interference within the workplace. According to the Human Resource Manager Eileen Esquer, from Isagenix International, when the use of drugs start to disrupt an employee’s job, they generate expensive health costs and loss of productivity for businesses. A controversial issue in the business industry is with employment drug testing. Companies that organize drug te sting will provide safe working conditions. Although, employers whoRead MoreAddiction Is A Mind Altering Substance977 Words   |  4 PagesAddiction is a compulsive need to habitually use a mind altering substance. Addiction can target anyone, even someone who works in the healthcare field, who trained to aid patients with medication. When a healthcare professional is addicted to a substance, it should be immediately reported for the safety of that nurse s clients. Just because a nurse has an addiction does not mean that their career is over because there are many programs that can help them fight the addiction and regain their titleRead MoreChemical Addiction : The Healthcare Setting985 Words   |  4 PagesChemical Addiction in the Healthcare Setting Addiction is a compulsive need to habitually use a mind altering substance. Addiction can target anyone, even someone who works in the healthcare field who trained to aid patients with medication. When a healthcare professional is addicted to a substance, it should be immediately reported for the safety of that nurse s client. Just because a nurse has an addiction does not mean that their career is over because there are many programs that can help themRead MoreThe Job Of A Human Resource Representative949 Words   |  4 Pagessample or oral swabs as detection for substance misuse. Drug testing in the workplace certainly holds most employees to a higher standard as far as their life outside of work. However, there are millions of employees who are flying below the radar and continuing with the lifestyle that they have known regardless of workplace drug testing or not. The abuse and use of drugs and can pose serious health problems; some more serious than you would ever consider. Dru g abuse is an immense problem for everybodyRead MoreSubstance Abuse and Chemical Dependency1703 Words   |  7 Pageswebsite, Substance abuse is used to describe a pattern of substance (drug) use leading to significant problems or distress such as failure to attend work/school, substance use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and or family relationships. Substance abuse, as a disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances or the abusive use of legal substances. Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse. ChemicalRead MoreSubstance Abuse And Its Effects On The United States1050 Words   |  5 Pages4000 B.C. narcotics were used, but during the 19th century is when the active substances in drugs were found. Many of these substances were given over the counter and weren t regulated, which meant that people could easily obtain substances such as morphine, cocaine, landuam, and many others. During the early 1900s, an estimate of about 250,000 people were abusing a substance within the United States. Substance abuse is a serious problem which can affect one s physical and psychological capabilities