It is an employment setting in which all employees follow a set of policies and activities designed to provide a safe workplace, discourage alcohol and drug abuse, and encourage treatment, recovery, and the return to work of employees who have such problems. The program’s goal is to educate adults about the issues surrounding substance abuse. The workplace is the only place where adult education can be mandated. This strengthens communities by empowering individuals and families. 

The “Drug Free Workplace” is a more recent term and concept introduced by the Federal government’s policy for its employees in 1986 and promulgated by the President’s Drug Advisory Council in the private sector.

According to a recent national telephone survey, slightly more than one-fourth (26%) of employed adults report that there has been substance abuse or addiction in their family, and 42% of these workers report that they have been distracted or less productive at work as a result.

The most frequently reported work-related problem was having their mind wander away from work tasks to thoughts of the problem (89%), followed by missing a deadline or work/attendance suffering (57%) and errors in judgment (46%).

Employers could help by implementing a drug-free workplace program, providing counseling for addicted individuals (73%), providing better health insurance coverage (67%), and providing a more flexible work schedule or time off.

A drug free workplace program would include:

• A written policy
• Supervisor training
• Employee education
• Access to EAP
• Drug testing