Higher Job Absenteeism Found Among Drug and Alcohol Users

August 22, 2007 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Most drug users and alcohol abusers hold full-time jobs, but are among the most often absent workers, according to a recent survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found.

The survey of 128,000 full-time workers found that n early twice as many current illicit drug users skipped one or more days of work in the past month compared with workers who did not abuse drugs. Drug users were also far more likely to report missing two or more days of work in the past month due to illness or injury compared with workers who did not abuse drugs.

Among full-time workers who reported current illicit drug use, 12.3% said they had worked for three or more employers in the last year, compared with 5.1% of non-abusing workers.

The highest rates of illicit drug use currently occurred among food service workers (17.4%), construction workers (15.1%), and arts, design, entertainment, sports and media employees (12.4%). Most current drug users were likely to work for an employer who did not conduct drug or alcohol testing.

Highest rates of current heavy alcohol use were found among construction, mining, excavation and drilling workers (17.8%), installation, maintenance and repair workers (14.7%), and food service workers (12.1%).

In terms of employers’ substance abuse policies or education:

  • 78.7% worked for employers who had a written policy addressing drug and alcohol use.
  • 58.4% worked for employers who offered an Employee Assistance Plan.
  • 43.8% worked for employers who offered educational information about alcohol and drug use.
  • 42.9% worked for employers who conduct pre-employment drug testing.
  • 29.6% worked for employers who conduct random drug testing.

The full results of the survey conducted in 2002-2004 are here .

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