In only the late nineteen nineties it was projected that over two and a half million individuals would abuse drugs or alcohol in the workplace after the year 2000 This projection developed due to research conducted on the current addiction status of our citizens as well as the increase in drug and alcohol abuse that has been rising with each passing year.
Also in research conducted it has been shown that over two hundred and fifty billion dollars have been lost in the workplace each year since nineteen hundred and ninety-five due to alcohol or drug abuse at work. This accounts for poor performance leading to loss of business and/or sales, accidents, absenteeism/tardiness and crime within work environments.
Did you know that over thirty percent of all hospital calls during the work day in America are due to an accident involving drugs and or alcohol in the work environment? This number is only rising, and large corporations are starting to crack down. Some employers are requesting drug tests prior to hiring, with ongoing drug tests on a monthly basis. Others may test for drugs and alcohol immediately after an accident has occurred within an employer’s work environment. So what does this mean for addicts in the workplace?
At the present time over seventy percent of drug or alcohol addicts are employed either part or full time. These addicts range from eighteen to fifty years of age. Over fifty percent of these employees are Caucasian or African-American males. For these employees, there may not initially be an issue with their employment. It may take a few years for every company or corporation to jump ‘on board’ with respects to regular drug and alcohol level testing. Although when this does occur it may mean that these individuals will begin to lose their jobs; therein, losing their salaries, and often times the ability to find another job.
When drug and alcohol abuse is a reason for firing, your past employers may be able to state this information to employers looking to hire you in the future. In this economy losing a job, and not being able to find another can be financially detrimental. This could entail not being able to pay a home mortgage, and therefore losing a house. It also may mean not being able to pay for gas to travel to job interviews as well as being late on utility bill payments.
This can not only affect one’s credit tremendously, but the financial future of an individual’s family all together. If you or someone you know is abusing drugs and/or alcohol in the workplace, it is best to seek professional assistance from a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Fix the problem now, before it creates a heap of problems in your immediate or distance future.
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