As we observe Alcohol Awareness Month, it's crucial to acknowledge the significant impact of alcohol misuse in the United States and how that misuse can potentially affect your workplace and workforce. From preventable deaths to societal costs, the repercussions of excessive alcohol use are profound.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 95,000 people lose their lives annually due to excessive alcohol consumption.1 These fatalities stem from both long-term patterns of heavy drinking and short-term episodes of binge drinking, defined as consuming four...

In the glossy realm of television, workplaces are often depicted as hubs of drama, intrigue, and sometimes, a fair bit of substance use. Take the Max TV series "Industry," for instance, where characters indulge in a "work hard, play hard" mentality that occasionally veers into the realm of illicit drug use. While these depictions may add spice to the storyline, they overlook the true risks of substance use within the workplace.

Contrary to the silver screen, employee substance use and addiction pose significant challenges in real life. According to the Society for Human Resource Management...

In the pursuit of fostering a safe and healthy work environment, implementing a comprehensive drug-free workplace policy is a pivotal step for employers. The nuances of these policies may vary, yet a common thread emerges – a staunch prohibition against alcohol consumption or illicit drug use or the misuse of prescription medications, especially prior to or during work hours – to prevent impairment and elevate safety standards.

As a supervisor, manager, or owner, acquainting yourself with your company's drug-free workplace policy is not just a task but a responsibility. You need to be...

As medical and recreational marijuana gain legal ground in more states, employers are taking a fresh look at their nationwide drug and alcohol policies. Yet, despite shifts in state-level regulations, marijuana retains its federal Schedule I classification. This introduces safety concerns for employers, as employees using marijuana could potentially arrive at work impaired, posing risks to their safety and that of their colleagues.

Before this recent wave of marijuana legalization, employers had the legal right to conduct drug screenings and terminate employees for off-duty drug use...

As small business owners and supervisors, you have a vital role in helping employees facing substance use disorder. Recent advice from Penn State Health highlights the importance of positive conversations and support. The advice below will help you to foster a culture of understanding and assistance.

Use A Positive Attitude:

Make sure your supervisors undergo training to identify and record signs of impairment, ensuring that discussions can progress smoothly. Initiate follow up conversations with care, avoiding negativity and judgment. Create an open and non-judgmental environment to...

In today's fast-paced business world, understanding and addressing the mental health and substance use challenges faced by employees is crucial. SAMHSA's "Substance Use Disorders Recovery with a Focus on Employment" guide is a valuable resource that not only explores best practices but also provides practical solutions for communities grappling with these issues. Developed with insights from experts, this guide offers business owners a practical approach to implement positive changes in mental health and substance use services within their organizations.

Individuals with Substance Use...

A recent CDC report reveals distressing trends in drug overdose deaths, spotlighting the heightened vulnerability of construction and restaurant workers in 2020. The study, analyzing data from 46 states and New York City, emphasizes the disproportionate challenges faced by specific sectors in the U.S. workforce.

Construction workers top the list with a staggering 131 deaths per 100,000, closely followed by restaurant workers at 99 deaths per 100,000. These varying rates underscore a significant health equity issue within the workforce.

Researchers identify two intersecting pathways...

Ever wondered about drug test kits and their role in understanding substance use at your workplace?

Drug test kits come in various types, including urine, saliva, hair, and surface tests, each designed to detect specific drugs or substances. Urine test kits are simple and cover a broad spectrum of substances. Saliva test kits offer quick results and are ideal for recent drug use checks. Hair test kits offer insights into long-term drug use history. And there are even surface drug test kits, which can test for lingering drug residue on things.

Benefits of using drug test kits include:

As we approach the holiday season, it's crucial to address a growing concern that affects workplaces across the nation—opioid use. The opioid epidemic continues to claim lives, and its impact extends into the professional realm.

Opioids, including prescription painkillers and synthetics like fentanyl, caused over 80,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021.¹ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 220 people die daily from opioid overdoses, often involving dangerous variations of fentanyl.²

Why Small Business Owners Should Pay Attention:

Workplace Safety...

Testing for marijuana impairment is like navigating a maze – it's tricky, and the rules aren't as straightforward as they are for alcohol. Unlike a clear blood alcohol concentration limit for alcohol (like the 0.08% legal limit for driving), figuring out if someone is impaired by marijuana isn't as simple. Tests for THC, the active component in marijuana, can show positive results long after any "high" has worn off. It's a bit like finding footprints but not knowing exactly when the person walked by.

Adding to the confusion, the type of test matters. Whether it's a urine, blood, or hair...

Addressing Overdose Risks: A Call for Workplace Support for Healthcare Workers

New research covering the years 2008 to 2019 reveals a troubling rise in drug overdose cases among healthcare workers. Nurses, social and behavioral healthcare workers, and healthcare support staff are facing increased risks, highlighting the urgent need for action.

The impact on workplaces is significant. Social workers and behavioral healthcare workers are more than twice as likely to experience a fatal overdose compared to others, while health support workers, including those in-home healthcare, face a...

The Biden administration recently launched the Recovery-Ready Workplace initiative, along with an online hub, urging employers nationwide to actively support individuals in recovery from addiction. The program provides a toolkit for employers and endorses a model state law to incentivize businesses to become "recovery-friendly" workplaces. With over 20 million Americans in recovery, the initiative aims to combat discrimination faced by those seeking employment while presenting a mutually beneficial opportunity for both individuals and businesses.

Rahul Gupta, the director of the White House...

In light of the evolving legal framework surrounding marijuana in various states, employers must pay attention to the latest research findings concerning this substance. While a common perception exists that marijuana can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, it is crucial to acknowledge that the association between marijuana and anxiety is a subject under ongoing investigation. Current data suggests that marijuana may not deliver the anxiety-relief benefits as often depicted in promotional marketing for the drug.

Anxiety is a prevalent condition, and several states have recognized it as a...

Let's celebrate #DrugFreeWorkWeek2023!

This week, Drug Free America Foundation and the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance are committed to fostering a safe and healthy workplace for all. Join us in promoting a drug-free environment for our colleagues and employees. Check out valuable resources here: https://www.ndwa.org/resources/national-drug-free-work-week/

Don't miss the FREE webinar "The Modern Drug Free Workplace Program with Discussion of Marijuana Testing" with Joe Reilly happening Monday, 10/16 at 10:00 am EST! Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2p953m96

We will host...

The National Safety Council reports that while 75% of U.S. employers are affected by the opioid crisis, only 17% feel prepared to tackle it.1 Employers can either hinder recovery or provide crucial support to employees during their journey to recovery.

One significant finding from research being done at the Missouri University of Science and Technology is that there is a significant lack of education and awareness among employers when it comes to working with individuals who are actively using opioids or are in recovery.2 Clair Reynolds Kueny, the principal investigator for the...

The Quest Diagnostics 2023 Drug Testing Index and Industry Insights Report reported that the workplace drug positivity rate is the highest it has been in 20 years.1 In the last five years, every industry tested had an increase in positive drug tests (with “Accommodations and Food Service” having the highest rates in this latest report).1

With these realities challenging workplace safety, it is imperative for even small business owners to implement a drug-free workplace policy.

Implementing a drug-free program can lead to numerous improvements within your organization:

As we step into September, a month dedicated to National Recovery, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges many individuals face in their journey towards well-being. In today's fast-paced and demanding work environments, employees grapple with a myriad of personal difficulties that can significantly affect their overall health and job performance. One such challenge, often shrouded in stigma, is substance use disorder—a multifaceted issue with far-reaching implications for both individuals and the organizations they serve.

Substance use disorders can cast a shadow over an individual...

The United States Senate has proclaimed August 21 to be Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day,1 in a move to increase perception of the dangers of this particularly potent opioid drug.

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl  has led to a substantial increase in the amount of drug overdose deaths  - with 70,601 reported in 2021.3 Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin, 100 times more potent than morphine, and only 2mg of the drug can cause sudden death.2

Fentanyl is often used as a combination product to cut other drugs, and has been found in cocaine, heroin, Xanax, Adderall and marijuana as...