As 2024 draws to a close, workplaces have an opportunity to reflect on the most recent data and implement strategies to support employees struggling with substance use or in recovery. Insights from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the most up-to-date source available, provide a roadmap for tackling these challenges effectively.

Key Insights from 2023 Data

1. Substance Use Trends:
   • 17.9% of people aged 18 or older (46.3 million people) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.1
   • 21.8% of people aged 12 or older (61.8 million people) used marijuana in...

The holiday season is often a time of joy and celebration, but for employees in recovery, it can also bring unique challenges. Workplaces that proactively foster a recovery-friendly environment not only support employees but also promote a culture of well-being and inclusion.

The holidays can be particularly challenging for those in recovery due to social pressures, especially when holiday parties and events often involve alcohol or other substances, which can be activating for individuals in recovery. These employees may feel excluded or misunderstood, especially if workplace traditions...

Workplaces have a unique opportunity to make subtle yet meaningful adjustments to better support employees who may be in recovery or experiencing challenges. When businesses make small changes in their events, management style, and overall culture, they create an environment that respects and uplifts employees facing SUDs. Here are three impactful ways to make the workplace more welcoming:

# 1: Host Inclusive Gatherings with Non-Alcoholic Options

Work events can inadvertently center around alcohol, creating uncomfortable situations for employees who don’t drink and/or are in recovery...

Oral fluid drug testing has proven to be scientifically reliable, is endorsed by federal guidelines, and is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

One significant advantage of oral fluid testing is its ability to detect recent drug use, making it especially valuable for post-accident testing or in states that require proof of impairment for employment actions. Oral fluid testing offers employers a clear and immediate understanding of substance use and supports timely decision-making.

The legalization of marijuana has further driven the need...

One innovative approach to maintaining a drug-free workplace that you might not have considered is the use of trained canine detection teams. These specially trained dogs can play a crucial role in upholding your workplace policies and ensuring a secure environment for all employees.

The Role of Canine Detection in the Workplace

Incorporating canine detection teams into your drug-free workplace policy can be a proactive way to deter substance misuse. These dogs, trained to detect a wide variety of narcotics, can quickly and discreetly identify the presence of illegal substances.

A...

As a small business owner, the safety and well-being of your employees are likely among your top priorities. In recent years, the rise of fentanyl has added a new dimension to the challenges you face in maintaining a safe work environment. Understanding what fentanyl is, why it’s so dangerous, and how it could impact your workforce is crucial for creating a secure, drug-free workplace.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid originally developed as a painkiller for use in surgeries. It's known for its extreme potency — approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than...

You as a small business owner have the opportunity to shape your workplace into a supportive environment for employees who are on the path to recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). This approach not only benefits individuals in recovery but can also enhance the overall health and productivity of your business. Here’s how the concept of Recovery Friendly Workplace (also known as Recovery Ready Workplace) can serve as a powerful example of what communities and businesses can do to support employees in recovery.

Substance use disorder is a significant issue that affects many employees. 7...

September is National Recovery Month, an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of those in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) and to raise awareness about the importance of creating supportive environments. As a small business owner, you have a unique role in fostering a culture that helps employees facing these challenges. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights the importance of recovery-friendly workplaces, which can significantly impact both individual lives and overall business success.

The Growing Need for Supportive Workplaces

Sub...

I got a chance to attend  recent webinar training on 'Drugs Free Workplace' organized by WFAD . The session was incredibly insightful and informative, providing a comprehensive understanding of the importance and implementation of a drug-free work environment. 

The knowledge and expertise shared by the speakers were invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in such a well-structured and engaging training consisting of 12 modules.

With the increasing legalization of recreational marijuana across various states, employers need to proactively prepare for the changes and their implications on the workplace. As more states allow adults to legally purchase and possess marijuana, it's essential for employers to review and update their workplace policies to ensure compliance and maintain a safe work environment.

Despite legalization, employers can still prohibit marijuana use that leads to impairment at work, akin to alcohol restrictions. Recent legal decisions, such as White v. Timken Gears & Servs., Inc. in Illinois...

One of the most pressing issues for businesses in states where marijuana use is legal is determining employee impairment before taking any adverse action. Unlike alcohol, where a simple breathalyzer test can gauge impairment, marijuana’s effects vary significantly based on consumption method, strain, and user tolerance.

Studies have shown that THC—the psychoactive compound in cannabis—and its metabolites can linger in the body long after the “high” has worn off. Recognizing this, many states have enacted laws requiring employers to prove impairment, not just the presence of THC. Traditional...

The increasing number of overdose deaths in the workplace is a critical issue that demands attention. In response, the National Safety Council (NSC) has introduced its Respond Ready Workplace program, aiming to reduce workplace overdose fatalities. This initiative comes at a crucial time as American workplaces are beginning to understand the depth of this problem and the need to address it effectively.

According to NSC analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, unintentional overdose deaths in the workplace from non-medical use of drugs or...

In today's fast-paced business environment, small business owners are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in the health and well-being of their employees. A recent conversation between Sabrina Spitaletta, Senior Director of Public Health at the Milken Institute, and Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, sheds light on how a "whole-person" health approach can be a game-changer, especially in relation to substance use and its impact on the workplace.

Whole-person health is a holistic approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical...

In the dynamic realm of marijuana regulation, technological innovations are continually reshaping how we approach the detection of marijuana use. One such advancement making waves is the marijuana breathalyzer, pioneered by biotech company Hound Labs.

Hound Labs has introduced a groundbreaking product capable of detecting marijuana use through breath samples. Results show positivity within an hour of smoking, gradually declining thereafter.

The process involves capturing a breath sample, preserving it, and sending it to a lab for analysis. While the initial model requires laboratory...

As the workplace evolves, so do the challenges that organizations face in maintaining a safe and productive environment.

A Surge in Drug Test Tampering

According to Quest Diagnostics' latest report, the percentage of employees in the general U.S. workforce showing signs of tampered drug tests increased dramatically in 2023. Instances of substituted urine specimens surged by over 600%, while invalid urine specimens rose by 45.2%. These unprecedented numbers indicate a significant increase in efforts to circumvent drug testing protocols.

Suhash Harwani, Ph.D., Senior Director of Science...

In today's workforce, the impact of addiction (substance use disorder) on employees is a reality many businesses face. Substance use disorders are complex and affect not only personal lives but also professional productivity and well-being. As small business owners, you have a unique opportunity to support your employees through their recovery journey. By implementing thoughtful strategies and creating a supportive environment, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.

Start by educating yourself and your management team about addiction and...

Prioritizing employee well-being is paramount, regardless of the actual environment in which that work takes place. One proactive measure to ensure a safe working environment is drug testing. However, implementing drug testing requires discretion and adherence to legal and ethical considerations, no matter the setting.

Drug use can impair performance, leading to accidents and injuries during work hours. Drug testing helps identify and address safety concerns, reducing risks. Policies should encompass all substance misuse, including prescribed medication or medical marijuana recommendations...

As we observe Alcohol Awareness Month, it's crucial to acknowledge the significant impact of alcohol misuse in the United States and how that misuse can potentially affect your workplace and workforce. From preventable deaths to societal costs, the repercussions of excessive alcohol use are profound.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 95,000 people lose their lives annually due to excessive alcohol consumption.1 These fatalities stem from both long-term patterns of heavy drinking and short-term episodes of binge drinking, defined as consuming four...