ALCOHOL & DRUGS AT THE
WORKPLACE

Employee surveys, scientific analysis and workplace studies have confirmed both health and performance can be negatively affected in a number of ways by substance use.  These impacts can extend beyond health and safety concerns to include the costs associated with:

    *     Increased absenteeism
    *     Compensation, sick benefits and insurance claims
    *     Turnover, theft and trafficking, loss of productivity
    *     Low quality products and service
    *     Loss of human potential
    *     Deteriorating working relations and possible legal action(s)

Moreover, the impact of drug abuse on organizational culture, morale and image can not be quantified, nor can the costs related to company liability for the actions of substance-abusing employees.

The blame for alcohol and drug related problems in the workplace should not all be laid on the worker.  Some work conditions have clearly been identified by employees as contributing to these problems. e.g.; Stress, fatigue, long hours, boredom, time away from home, shift work, and job fatigue.

Columbia Valley Counselling Centre Society (CVCCS) allows business to play an important role in the prevention and intervention when dealing with substance-use problems at the workplace.