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Substance Abuse Awareness Training

Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention
For Executives, Supervisors and Employees

substance abuseIt’s vital that management understand the magnitude of substance abuse in the workplace and know how to identify impaired or under-the-influence employees. Employers must be able to effectively manage potential incidents before they occur. Drug and alcohol abuse impacts safety, productivity and the cost of doing business.

Workplace substance abuse is a sensitive and very costly problem facing employers of every size and industry. According to a recent OSHA publication, 65% of workplace accidents are caused by substance abuse, and employees that abuse drugs file 6 times more workers’ comp claims. Substance abusers use health benefits approximately 84% greater in dollar terms and they record 16 times more work absences according to the US Dept. of Labor.

Training Profile

Training is highly interactive, involving small-to midsize groups of 25 to 50 for discussion using MS PowerPoint and other visual aids. This module provides a review of workplace substance abuse, methods for detecting and identifying drug and alcohol abuse or situations most likely to lead to other complicated problems, and practical steps for addressing actual drug- and alcohol-related situations. This module will also address many of the common myths and misconceptions about workplace substance abuse in order to focus the attention for the participants on the real nature of the problem. Our experienced trainers will provide management and employees with an understanding of the adverse consequences associated with potential legal risks that can arise when an employer confronts a substance abuser. The topics are all geared toward stimulating meaningful discussions and critical thinking.

Length: 2-4 Hours (Depending on clients needs.)

The Substance Abuse Problem

Analyze the scope of substance abuse in the workplace. No business, regardless of size or location, is immune to the countless problems that alcohol and drug abuse can cause. Most individuals who abuse alcohol and other drugs are employed, and when they arrive for work, they don’t leave their problems outside the door. Although the rate of current illicit drug use is higher among unemployed individuals, the vast majority of current illicit drug users in the US are employed. Of 12.3 million adult current illicit drug users, 9.4 million (77 percent) work.

Defining, Identifying and Understanding Workplace Substance Abuse

Myths vs. Facts – Separate the facts from the assumptions about substance abuse
Review the major categories of substance abuse.
An estimated 6.5 percent of full-time and 8.6 percent of part-time workers are current illicit drug users. Alcohol is the most widely abused drug among working adults. An estimated 6.2 percent of adults working full time are heavy drinkers. By occupation, the highest rates of current illicit drug use and heavy drinking were reported by food preparation workers, waiters, waitresses and bartenders (19 percent); construction workers (14 percent); service occupations (13 percent); and transportation and material moving workers (10 percent).

Legal Obligations to the Employer

Review the major areas of statutory and liabilities that may require employers to take action to prevent abuse and maintain a drug-free workplace.

Preventing Workplace Substance Abuse

  • Early intervention, know and identify the signs of an employee while they are under the influence
  • Dealing with emergencies and managing substance abuse in the workplace
  • Discuss the best management practices and implementing your organization’s own policy to reduce the risk of substance abuse
  • Documenting problems of potential substance abuse
  • Learn the warning signs and risk factors that can lead to substance abuse.