Its long been known that drug use and alcohol consumption by employees has a negative affect on their safety and the safety of those who work around them. But have you stopped to consider that most drug users and most people with drinking problems also work; exposing everyone to the negative consequences of their bad habits?
The findings of a recent study indicate that the vast majority of drug users work. Of the 16.6 million illicit drug users aged 18 or older in 2002, 12.4 million (74.6 percent) were employed either full or part time. Additionally, the majority of the nation’s adult binge and heavy drinkers were employed. Of the 51.1 million adult binge drinkers in 2002, 40.8 million (80 percent) were employed either full or part time. Similarly, 12 million (79 percent) of the 15.2 million adult heavy drinkers were employed. For additional information, see article at: http://said.dol.gov/WhatsNew.asp?ID=1644 Also, see web tools and information to effectively address drug and alcohol problems at: http://www.dol.gov/dol/workingpartners.htm