Drug abuse at Workplace

The escalating abuse of drug and other psychoactive substances has become a major global concern necessitating a comprehensive response and a collaborative and participatory partnership approach from all segments of society.

Business and community collaboration is at the heart of such a participatory and partnership approach. The individual workplace mirrors these problems as a result of the deteriorating health of workers, absenteeism, work accidents and other increased safety risks.

Today the economic and human costs of substance abuse in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Drug addiction is no longer a rich nation’s problem or a poor man’s affliction.

It transcends national, ethnic, religious, class and gender lines. Addicts range from the rich to the poor, the homeless to blue and white-collar workers, students, rural farmers, urban employees and street children.

In addiction to wreaking havoc on the lives of addicts and their families, drug addiction is creating a myriad of new problems for communities such as increased crime and violence, the emergence of various social ills and the deterioration of the social fabric, as well as the spread of drug-related diseases such AIDS and Hepatitis.

Drug abuse is a threat and poses devastating effects on workplaces. Many work-related accidents, injuries, illness, absenteeism, non-productivity and poor quality of production are linked to drug abuse.

The need to ensure that workplaces are free from drug abuse is obvious. Drug use has been found to contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism, medical claims and compensation claims. Poor productivity, high staff turnover and criminal involvement have been found arising from the use of alcohol and drug abuse.

Collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector and NGOs are needed to overcome drug abuse problem at the workplace and keep the workforce productive and healthy for economic development and improved quality of life.

There is a need to develop a drug-free workplace policy to benefit both employers and employees such as to provide for job security in respect of employees and productivity and profitability for the employers.

All companies should have a health and safety policy and every effort should be made to ensure workplace drug abuse prevention programmes be made an integral part of activities for occupational safety and health.

I believe the best way to address the drug abuse problem at the workplace is through the implementation of the following Six-Point Programme:-


i. Management commitment and leadership to work towards a drug-free workplace.

ii. Drug free workplace policy and committee to operationalise the activities of a drug-free workplace programme.

iii. Employee education and awareness programme on the specific dangers of drug abuse and why the workforce should be free from drugs.

iv. Drug screening programme to detect drug abuse at workplaces.

v. Treatment referral to enable employers to assist employees.
Who are drug users to seek help, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation instead of dismissing them and making them a threat to the community?

vi. Corporate sector involvement to provide sponsorship to help credible NGOs in carrying out sustained anti-drug campaigns at the community level.