CAN-A Sobering Look at Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Use and abuse alcohol and other substances
A 2004 study by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) showed that about 80% of Canadians currently drink alcohol, and 13.6% of all Canadians are considered to be high risk drinkers. Add the fact that approximately 14% of Canadian adults currently use marijuana and it becomes very likely that substance abuse in the general population will show up in the workplace. CSSA reports that in 2002 the abuse of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs cost the Canadian economy more than $39 billion. The costs to a business center around four main impacts: premature deaths (substance abuse-related illness) and fatal accidents; injuries and accident rates; absenteeism; and lost productivity.
Although there are many different personal and social factors that can play a role in substance abuse, work involving the following may also contribute to the problem:
- high stress
- low job satisfaction
- long hours or irregular shifts
- fatigue
- repetitious duties
- periods of inactivity or boredom
- isolation
- remote or irregular supervision
- easy access to substances
It is important for supervisors and managers to have a resource or procedure that they can rely on if the need arises. This page provides guidance on how to set up a substance abuse policy and links to organisations and further information.
Effects of various types of substances
The Agency has provided some information on health promotion and information on case studes of effective prevention.
