NCJ Number
162162
Date Published
1989
Length
29 pages
Annotation
Workplace drug abuse is examined with respect to its nature, extent, impacts, and programs to address it.
Abstract
Three factors related to the current efforts to address drug abuse in our society are the extensive publicity the national media has given to drug problems, particularly when celebrities are involved; the national crusade against drugs waged by the Reagan and Bush Administrations; and the recent, ready availability of potent and inexpensive marijuana, cocaine, and other illegal drugs being used by growing numbers of young adults, adolescents, and even children. The Federal Government requires employers connected with it to adopt antidrug programs in the workplace and have strongly encouraged employee drug testing as a means of checking compliance. A national debate has also occurred regarding individual employee liberties versus employer property rights. Another problem is managers' frequent failure to detect alcohol or drug users or to recognize the extent of the problem. Workplace drug and alcohol problems cause enormous costs and raise safety issues. Employee theft is another consequence of drug abuse. Successful antidrug programs in the workplace are tailored to the particular industry and employees and include extensive education, sensitivity to employee concerns, the use of an employee assistance program or similar program, and constant communication to all personnel regarding policies and results. 27 references