Drugs and Alcohol – Impact on Performance and Importance of Drug Testing

Drugs affect individuals in different ways and varying degrees. Little drug and alcohol use also can cause performance impairment. This is why employers need to be aware of potential impacts and set clear standards and expectations to minimize the risk. Drug and Alcohol use will put individuals at risk – for themselves, co-workers and the general public.

Impact on Performance :

Psychoactive drugs alter a person’s personal and professional work performance. Drugs and alcohol act on the central nervous system altering the way a person behaves. The basic functions of a person affect and results in the person’s performance. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 17,941 alcohol related traffic fatalities in 2006, a 2.4% increase from 2005. More workplace accidents are the result of human error. When drugs, alcohol, stress or fatigue-impair an employee, the potential for error increases tenfold. . Government studies reveal that 1 out of 6 workers have a drug problem and show that drug abusers on average cost an employer $7,000 – $10,000 per employee annually. They also reveal these employees are absent up to 16 times more often and are 1/3 less productive.

Rationale for Drug Testing :

The main argument given for drug testing is to ensure work safety, security and productivity. Proponents believe testing is necessary to protect the health and safety of workers and the public from errors made by impaired workers. Drug testing is known as a restraint, since a positive test can result in loss of employment. It is also argued that testing is useful rehabilitation tool when used to monitor compliance with treatment program. In addition, some employers implement testing programs to reduce their legal liability for any harm caused to the public as a result of an employee-caused accident.

The American Management Association surveys US employers on various policies including testing for illegal substance use. According to their 2004 survey, 62% of companies did some sort of testing for illegal drugs, with 55% of companies testing applicants and 44% testing current employees.

Drug addiction and alcoholism are diseases that not only affect the addicted but also their families, communities. Drug and alcohol addiction is a progressive and insidious disease that creeps up on individuals, and most don’t recognize the problem until addiction has completely taken over.