Individuals with Substance Abuse and Workplace

Individuals With Substance Abuse and Workplace

Jacinthia D. Gladfelter

Contemporary Social Problems and the Workplace SOC 402

Annie Shropshire

July 25, 2011

Introduction

The widespread existence of alcohol and drug abuse has extensive consequences on the health of our country and affects most businesses. Although comprehensive programs are necessary, such attempts or efforts may be actually prohibited by the political, social, and economic complications in workplaces. “Alcoholism was presumed to be the most prevalent problem in organizations and was reported to cause deterioration in job performance, which can be reflected in absenteeism, sporadic and reduced production, poor decision-making and low morale of coworkers “(Elliott, K. & Shelley, K. (2005) Volume 42(3), p. 126). The establishing programs that implement the importance of the serious effects of alcohol and drug abuse would be beneficial to both employers and laborers.

Individuals With Substance Abuse and Workplace

Substance abuse is defined as an excessive and inappropriate consumption of alcohol and drugs to the extent in which the user or the society is marred from its consequences. Employees who have substance abuse disorders cause various major impacts at work. “It makes sense that substance abuse issues may surface in the workplaces since we often spend more time at work than at home” (Buttery, H. 2005, p. 18). Substance abuse decreases productivity, increases rates and expenses of litigation; moreover, it escalates accidents and costs of workers compensations.

Reports were governed that it also has safety risks when workers are using machinery, toxic chemicals, and have shift work. “Atkinson (2001) indicated that 12% of the workforce reported being heavy drinkers and that 47% of industrial injuries and 40% of workplace deaths were linked to alcohol consumption. Almost 14 million Americans use illegal drugs; as workers, they are slightly over three times more likely to be involved...