Effects of drugs and alcohol on behavior,job performance,and workplace safety

A study of records for 1 large U.S. company revealed that employees with positive drug screens were fired, whereas workers who self‐disclosed drug/alcohol problems remained employed. Both groups were offered substance abuse intervention, and some previously fired workers were rehired after they received treatment. Accident results showed that drug‐test positive employees, as compared with self‐referred workers, had a significantly higher accident rate in all categories. Treatment data revealed that drug‐test positive workers had significantly higher accident rates before and after treatment than self‐referred employees. Posttreatment results showed that drug‐test positive employees had a significant decrease in accidents after services, whereas the self‐referred group showed no change.