Marijuana is the drug that caused the most problems for employers in the past year, according to a Compliance Network poll conducted in September and early October 2024.

Seven of 38 responses, or 18.4 percent, indicated that employee marijuana use had been a problem. Methamphetamine use came in second at 7.9 percent, followed by alcohol and cocaine at 5.3 percent, and other drugs at 2.6 percent.

The poll asked employers “Have you had problems with employees using drugs or alcohol in the past year?” Responses were as follows:

• Marijuana - 7
• Methamphetamine - 3
• Alcohol - 2
• Cocaine - 2
• Other drugs - 1
• No problems - 23

Comparison to national drug use statistics

The poll responses showing problems with employee drug use tracked below national statistics indicating how many Americans have used illegal drugs in the past year.

The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that in the past year:

• 21.8 percent of people used marijuana,
• .9 percent of people used methamphetamine, and
• 1.8 percent of people used cocaine .

The impact of drugs and alcohol in the workplace

Employees who arrive at work impaired by drug or alcohol use, or who use drugs or alcohol while on the job, have the potential to compromise workplace safety, decrease productivity, and damage morale.

An impaired employee puts themselves and others at risk of harm as the effects of use and withdrawal result in loss of coordination, attentiveness, and responsiveness.

Substance abuse keeps both the employee and coworkers from doing their best work, as it saps energy and focus and can lead to coworkers being called upon to pick up the slack. Stress, burnout, and dissension can result when coworkers are dealing with safety concerns as well as a heavier workload.

Keeping a workplace drug-free

To keep the negative effects of drug and alcohol use out of the workplace, employers should:

• Have a policy on drug and alcohol use,
• Offer support for those impacted by substance abuse, and
• Ensure that all workers understand the company’s policy and how to reach out for help when it’s needed.

To underscore the importance of having a workplace free from drug and alcohol misuse, employers should communicate the effects of substance abuse to employees and provide information about resources that are available to help those who are struggling. They can emphasize:

• The impact substance abuse, including alcohol abuse, has on an individual and the workplace.
• The consequences of violating the workplace drug and alcohol policy. Employees should understand what is expected of them and what will happen if they do not adhere to the company’s policy.
• Any assistance that is available, including an employee assistance program, local resources for alcohol and drug rehabilitation, or the SAMHSA substance abuse hotline (1-809-662-4357). Employees should know that they can reach out for help without judgment.

Key to remember: More than a third of responses to a Compliance Network survey indicated that drugs or alcohol have been a problem in the workplace in the past year. Sharing information about a company’s drug and alcohol policy and resources that are available to assist with recovery can help a company control workplace substance abuse.