The Substance Abuse Costs to Society & Workplaces
Are Huge
A new study of 1992 data estimates the economic costs to society of
substance abuse at $246 billion for that year, and $276 billion projected
for 1995. Alcohol-related lost productivity alone accounted for two-thirds
of the total alcohol cost. Drug related crime accounted for over half
of the total drug costs.1 Workplaces take the brunt in lost/poor performance,
accidents, and crime.
Alcoholism alone accounts for 500 million lost workdays each year.
Casual drinkers, in aggregate, account for far more incidents of
absenteeism, tardiness, and poor quality of work than those regarded
as alcohol dependent.
Between 20 and 40 percent of all general hospital patients are
admitted for complications related to alcoholism and other forms
of substance abuse.
The human costs to the individual, family, and community are incalculable.
Substance Abuse Is a Workplace Problem
Today, almost 73 percent of all current drug users ages 18–49
are full- or part-time employed – more than 8.3 million workers.
About 7 percent of full-time workers use illicit drugs (6.3m),
and about 7 percent are heavy drinkers.5 ¨ About 1.2 million
full-time workers both abuse illicit drugs and are heavy alcohol
users.
The highest rate of illicit drug abuse and heavy alcohol use is
among 18–25 year olds, males, Caucasian, and those with less
than a high school education.
In a survey of five work sites, 18 percent of persons who drank
alcohol and 12 percent of illicit drug users reported that their
performance at work had declined due to alcohol or drug use.
Between 44–80 percent of young adults ages 16–17 work
during the year. Those working more than 20 hours per week are at
high risk for substance abuse and injury. With our youth entering
the workforce in greater numbers, this is a significant issue for
workplaces to address.
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