The available data continue to indicate that substance abuse has a significant impact in the workplace, with costs estimated at over $100 billion annually. Data show that: Seventy-one percent of illegal drug users are employed. Alcoholism causes 500 million lost workdays each year. Drug and alcohol-related problems are one of the four top reasons for the rise in workplace violence.

Of those who called the cocaine helpline, 75 percent reported using drugs on the job, 64 percent admitted drugs adversely affected their job performance, 44 percent sold drugs to other employees, and 18 percent had stolen from co-workers to support their drug habit. A study conducted by the Institute for Health Policy, Brandeis University, found substance abuse to be the number one health problem in the country, resulting in more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities than any other preventable health condition.

What do you think is the best strategy for addressing the problem of substance abuse in the workplace? Justify your response.

Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach

Author: Curt Bartol, Anne Bartol

Publisher: Prentice Hall

Edition: 11th

ISBN: 978-0134163741