Drugs at Work

75% of people who struggle with substance abuse disorders are employed, which mean employers can make a huge impact in reversing this national epidemic. Learn more about the impact of drugs at work and get training, tips and tools below to educate your supervisors and staff.

Focus on Prevention & Recovery

Substance abuse prevention is important for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Here are just a few reasons why drugs at work affect worker's wellbeing and your bottom line:

Safety and Wellbeing: Substance abuse can impair judgment and coordination, leading to accidents and injuries, posing serious risks to safety.
Productivity and Efficiency: Decreased productivity, lack of focus, and poor performance impact an organization’s overall effectiveness and success.
Legal and Compliance Obligations: Employers have legal obligations to maintain a drug-free workplace, especially in industries where public safety is a concern.
Employee Morale and Work Culture: Substance abuse can contribute to a toxic work environment, potentially causing conflict and tension among team members.
Economic Impact: Drug use causes significant economic losses for companies. Calculate your costs here.
Retention and Recruitment: A workplace that actively addresses substance abuse is more likely to retain employees and attract new ones.

Employers can address substance abuse through policies, training programs, Employee Assistance Programs, and by fostering an open and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help. Get more tips and tools below to help.

Watch video - Substance Use Cost Calculator

Substance Use Cost Calculator

The National Safety Council collaborated with an independent research institution, NORC at the University of Chicago, to update "The Real Cost of Substance Use to Employers" tool, originally developed in 2017 with national nonprofit Shatterproof. This cost calculator is an authoritative, easy-to-use tool providing business leaders with specific information about the cost of substance use (including prescription drug use and misuse, alcohol use and misuse, opioid and heroin addiction, as well as use of other illicit drugs and cannabis) in their workplace based on size of employee base, industry and state.

Calculate Your Costs