Substance Use In The Workplace Statistics: Latest Data & Summary

Last Edited: April 23, 2024

Highlights: The Most Important Statistics

  • According to the NSDUH, in 2019, an estimated 8.3 percent of full-time workers aged 18 to 64 in the United States used illicit drugs in the past month.
  • The NSDUH also estimated that approximately 9% of U.S. full-time workers are heavy alcohol users.
  • Substance abuse costs U.S. employers approximately $81 billion annually.
  • The construction industry has the highest rate of substance abuse at 16.5%.
  • Employees who tested positive for drug use had significantly more absences than those who tested negative.
  • Healthcare is the second most highest industry for substance use disorders at 14.7%.
  • Over 70% of U.S. illicit drug users are employed.
  • Approximately 164.8 million people (60.2% of the population) are current substance users.
  • Almost 10% of full-time workers in the U.S. have a substance abuse problem.
  • Substance abusers are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work.
  • Approximately 19.1% of unemployed adults aged 18 or older were current illicit drug users.
  • 65% of all work-related accidents have been attributed to drug use.
  • Substance-abusing employees function at about 67% of their capability.
  • More than 60% of adults know someone who has come to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Workers with alcohol problems were 2.7 times more likely than workers without drinking problems to have injury-related absences.
  • A little over half of U.S. employers require pre-employment drug screening.

The Latest Substance Use In The Workplace Statistics Explained

According to the NSDUH, in 2019, an estimated 8.3 percent of full-time workers aged 18 to 64 in the United States used illicit drugs in the past month.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, approximately 8.3 percent of full-time workers aged 18 to 64 in the United States were reported to have used illicit drugs within the past month. This figure, derived from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), suggests that a notable proportion of the full-time working population in this age group engaged in drug use despite their employment status. This statistic sheds light on the prevalence of illicit drug use among a specific demographic in the U.S., calling for attention to potential implications on workplace productivity, health, and overall well-being.

The NSDUH also estimated that approximately 9% of U.S. full-time workers are heavy alcohol users.

The statistic that approximately 9% of U.S. full-time workers are heavy alcohol users is derived from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). This data suggests that a significant proportion of full-time employees in the United States engage in heavy alcohol consumption, which can have adverse effects on both individual health and workplace productivity. Employers may need to consider implementing interventions or support programs to address alcohol misuse among their workforce to promote a healthier and more efficient work environment. Understanding the prevalence of heavy alcohol use among full-time workers can also inform public health initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm in the population.

Substance abuse costs U.S. employers approximately $81 billion annually.

The statistic that substance abuse costs U.S. employers approximately $81 billion annually refers to the economic impact of substance abuse in the workplace. This figure includes costs associated with decreased productivity, absenteeism, increased healthcare expenses, and workplace accidents caused by employees who misuse drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse can lead to decreased job performance, increased turnover rates, and overall disruption to the work environment. Employers incur significant financial burdens as a result, highlighting the importance of implementing effective prevention and intervention strategies to address substance abuse issues in the workplace and promote a healthier and more productive workforce.

The construction industry has the highest rate of substance abuse at 16.5%.

The statistic indicating that the construction industry has the highest rate of substance abuse at 16.5% suggests that a significant proportion of individuals working in this sector struggle with substance misuse. This statistic highlights a concerning trend within the construction industry, potentially indicating underlying issues such as stress, long hours, physical demands, and access to substances. Such a high rate of substance abuse can have detrimental effects not only on the individuals themselves but also on workplace safety, productivity, and overall well-being. Addressing this issue would require targeted interventions, support systems, and awareness campaigns to help reduce substance abuse and promote a healthier work environment within the construction industry.

Employees who tested positive for drug use had significantly more absences than those who tested negative.

The statistic suggests a notable difference in absenteeism between employees who tested positive for drug use and those who tested negative. This finding implies a potential association between drug use and increased absenteeism in the workplace. The term “significantly” indicates that the observed difference is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone and is likely a meaningful distinction. Employers may need to consider implementing policies or interventions to address drug use among employees as a way to potentially reduce absenteeism and its associated impact on productivity and overall workplace functioning.

Healthcare is the second most highest industry for substance use disorders at 14.7%.

The statistic indicating that healthcare is the second-highest industry for substance use disorders at 14.7% means that within the healthcare sector, a significant proportion of individuals are affected by substance use disorders. This figure suggests that healthcare workers may be particularly vulnerable to developing issues related to substance abuse, possibly due to high stress levels, easy access to medications, or other work-related factors. Addressing substance use disorders within the healthcare industry is crucial not only for the well-being of the individuals affected, but also for ensuring the safety and quality of care provided to patients. It underscores the importance of implementing preventive measures, interventions, and support systems tailored to healthcare professionals to address this concerning issue effectively.

Over 70% of U.S. illicit drug users are employed.

The statistic “Over 70% of U.S. illicit drug users are employed” indicates that the majority of individuals in the United States who use illegal drugs are also part of the workforce. This information suggests that illicit drug use is present across various segments of society, including those who hold jobs. The statistic highlights the potential impact of drug use on productivity, workplace safety, and overall societal well-being. It underscores the importance of addressing substance abuse issues not only from a public health perspective but also from an employment and economic standpoint. Efforts to combat drug abuse may need to consider the intersection between work and substance use to create comprehensive strategies for prevention and intervention.

Approximately 164.8 million people (60.2% of the population) are current substance users.

The statistic stating that approximately 164.8 million people, which accounts for 60.2% of the population, are current substance users suggests a significant portion of the total population engages in substance use. This statistic underscores the prevalence and prevalence of substance use behaviors within the population. It is essential to note that substance use can encompass a wide range of substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, each with varying impacts on individuals’ health and well-being. This statistic highlights the importance of addressing and understanding substance use patterns for public health implications, policy-making, and resource allocation towards prevention and treatment efforts.

Almost 10% of full-time workers in the U.S. have a substance abuse problem.

The statistic that almost 10% of full-time workers in the U.S. have a substance abuse problem indicates a significant prevalence of substance abuse issues within the workforce. This suggests that a notable portion of the working population may be struggling with substance misuse, which could have implications for workplace productivity, safety, and overall well-being. Employers may need to be aware of this statistic to address potential issues related to substance abuse among their employees, such as implementing support programs, providing resources for treatment, and creating a workplace culture that promotes health and well-being. Additionally, further research and interventions may be necessary to address the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse in the workplace and to help alleviate the negative consequences associated with this issue.

Substance abusers are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work.

The statistic indicating that substance abusers are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work suggests a significant association between substance abuse and workplace accidents. Specifically, individuals with substance abuse issues are 3.6 times as likely to experience accidents while at work compared to non-substance abusers. This statistic highlights the heightened risk associated with substance abuse in the workplace, potentially leading to injuries, property damage, and productivity losses. Employers and policymakers may use this information to implement targeted interventions such as workplace substance abuse prevention programs, employee education, and regular screenings to mitigate the risks and ensure a safer work environment.

Approximately 19.1% of unemployed adults aged 18 or older were current illicit drug users.

This statistic suggests that out of the total population of unemployed adults aged 18 or older, around 19.1% reported using illicit drugs. This finding highlights a concerning trend as it indicates a significant proportion of unemployed individuals engaging in risky behavior by using illegal substances. The statistic underscores the potential implications of unemployment on mental health and substance abuse, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support services and interventions targeting this vulnerable population. Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations could use this information to develop targeted strategies aimed at addressing substance abuse issues within the unemployed demographic group.

65% of all work-related accidents have been attributed to drug use.

The statistic “65% of all work-related accidents have been attributed to drug use” indicates that a significant portion of accidents occurring in the workplace are linked to drug use. This suggests that employees who are under the influence of drugs are more likely to be involved in accidents while on the job compared to those who are not. Employers should take this information seriously and consider implementing measures to address drug use in the workplace, such as drug testing, employee education programs, and promoting a safe work environment. By addressing this issue, employers can potentially reduce the number of work-related accidents and create a safer work environment for all employees.

Substance-abusing employees function at about 67% of their capability.

This statistic implies that employees who are abusing substances are operating at a significantly reduced level of productivity, functioning at only about 67% of their full capability. Substance abuse can negatively impact various aspects of job performance, including concentration, judgment, decision-making, and overall work quality. This reduced functionality not only affects the individual’s performance but can also have secondary effects on the team and organization as a whole in terms of decreased productivity, potential safety hazards, and increased absenteeism. Addressing substance abuse issues in the workplace through support programs and interventions is crucial to improve employee well-being and enhance overall organizational performance.

More than 60% of adults know someone who has come to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The statistic “More than 60% of adults know someone who has come to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol” indicates a concerning prevalence of substance use in the workplace. This finding implies that a majority of adults have personal knowledge of individuals who have engaged in such risky behavior while on the job. The statistic suggests that substance abuse in the workplace is not uncommon and may have implications for workplace safety, productivity, and overall well-being. Employers should take note of this statistic and consider implementing policies and programs to address substance use issues among their workforce.

Workers with alcohol problems were 2.7 times more likely than workers without drinking problems to have injury-related absences.

The statistic suggests that workers with alcohol problems are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing injury-related absences compared to workers without drinking problems. Specifically, the finding indicates that workers with alcohol problems are 2.7 times more likely to have injury-related absences than their counterparts who do not have drinking problems. This suggests a strong association between alcohol issues and workplace injuries, highlighting the potential impact of alcohol consumption on workplace safety and absenteeism. Employers and policymakers may use this information to implement targeted interventions, such as workplace education programs or support services, to address alcohol-related issues and reduce the risk of injuries and absenteeism among workers.

A little over half of U.S. employers require pre-employment drug screening.

The statistic that a little over half of U.S. employers require pre-employment drug screening indicates that approximately 50% or slightly more of businesses in the United States have a policy in place to test job applicants for drug use before hiring them. This practice is commonly implemented as a proactive measure to ensure workplace safety, productivity, and compliance with company policies or industry regulations. By conducting pre-employment drug screenings, employers aim to mitigate risks associated with drug use in the workplace, such as accidents, reduced productivity, and potential legal liabilities. This statistic underscores the significance of drug screening as a standard employment practice in the U.S. job market.

References

0. – https://www.samhsa.gov

1. – https://jamanetwork.com

2. – https://www.ncadd.org

3. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

4. – https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov

5. – https://www.dol.gov

6. – https://www.shrm.org

7. – https://www.drugabuse.gov

About The Author

Jannik is the Co-Founder of WifiTalents and has been working in the digital space since 2016.

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