drugs alcohol and work
* 73% of drug users age 18 and
older are employed
6.7 million full- time
1.6 million part-time
* In 1997, 6.8% of Americans employed full-time reported heavy drinking in the previous month.
* Of the 11.2 million heavy drinkers in 1997, 30% were also illicit drug users.
* Approximately 60% of illegal drug users work for companies with 500 or fewer employers.
* 11% work for companies with fewer than 25 employees
By Industry
Of fully
employed drug users aged 18-49, 17.3% were in construction, 16.3% food
preparation, 15.4% waitstaff. Only 2.2% were administrative support staff, 2.3%
teachers, and 2.6% child care workers. Of course more than 40% of illicit drug
users are in other industries.
EFFECTIVENESS
OF TREATMENT
A study of 4,411 people in a federally funded treatment program showed a reduction of illicit drug abuse by nearly 50% and by two-thirds for alcohol abuse in the 5-16 months after treatment. The percentage of people selling drugs, shoplifting or beating someone up in the past year dropped by almost 80% 5-16 months after treatment. The percentage of welfare declined from 40% to 35%.
Substance abuse
costs businesses an estimated $100 billion annually. By supporting substance
abuse
programs, and a
drug-free workplace, employers can:
* increase
productivity and raise employee
morale
* reduce
absenteeism
* reduce
corporate liability
* reduce
errors and increase quality of performance
* lower
worker’s compensation insurance or health insurance premiums and
* improve
safety
A 1995 survey
showed that after a one year treatment, 668 substance abuse residents decreased
absenteeism by 89%, tardiness by 92% and on-the-job injuries by 57%.
Employers can
fight substance abuse by:
* Recognizing that addiction treatment
is a wise investment
* Having a comprehensive substance abuse
treatment program in place including support for bias-free dialogue
* Offer health insurance policies for
employees including equal coverage for substance abuse treatment
Based on current
trends, in the year 2000, this country will spend $100 MILLION A DAY to incarcerate individuals with serious
drug and alcohol problems.
For information about
alcohol and drug abuse treatment programs
in your community call 1.800.662.HELP
ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH