Substance Abuse in the Workplace

Essay by sapphire24dCollege, UndergraduateB+, August 2010

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Substance Abuse � PAGE \* MERGEFORMAT �1�

Substance Abuse in the Workplace

Illegal drugs have been a part of the American society for centuries and continue to be a burden for today's economy. Each year the government allots billions of dollars towards educating and treating individuals who suffer from substance abuse yet the numbers continue to increase. Healthcare premiums reflect the medical arenas stance on substance abuse by raising their premiums for coverage. Insurance companies are hesitant in insuring individuals who abuse illegal drugs because they are high risk for coverage. Offices such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has created a list of illegal substances based on their effects of usage to warn the public of the dangers associated with using illegal drugs yet certain states allow critically ill patients to use marijuana which has the most addictive qualities sending a controversial message throughout society.

Substance abuse is no longer for the rich and the famous and is available to anyone willing to pay the right price.

A widespread epidemic, which keeps the government funding programs geared at educating the public, incorporate treatment programs, and various agencies to crack down on substance abuse. The results of their efforts are increased numbers of substance abusers based on the number of arrestees who were not successful in passing a drug test, higher medical bills and premiums, and new and improved substances available for purchasing.

Alcohol and drug use in the workplace is considered one of the most critical problems facing business and industry today. It is not surprising that substance use problems are a leading cause of performance behavior or impairment on the job. Alcohol and other drug use can impact the workplace in many ways. While many employers frequently turn a blind eye to alcohol and drug misuse, the widespread...