You’re constantly juggling priorities for your employees by keeping operations running smoothly, retaining good employees, and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. But there’s one issue that may be happening right under your nose and impacting all three: substance use at work.

A recent national study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that nearly 9% of U.S. workers under the age of 30 have used alcohol or drugs while on the job.1 That includes cannabis, alcohol, and other substances like prescription painkillers or opioids. Led by researchers at The Ohio...

America’s substance use challenges aren’t confined to hospitals or treatment centers—they’re part of everyday life, including the workplace. With approximately 48.7 million Americans (17.3 percent of the population) living with a substance use disorder (SUD), chances are that someone on your team is navigating this journey. The good news? With the right support, recovery is not only possible—it can thrive in the workplace.

You may not have heard of peer support before. What exactly is it?

PRSS are non‑clinical services delivered by trained employees with lived experience of addiction and...

If you’re a small business owner, you probably wear a lot of hats: manager, mentor, HR rep, sometimes even IT support. You already know that building a successful company today means adapting to change—especially when it comes to supporting your team. One area where the modern workplace is evolving fast is how we approach substance use and mental health on the job.

You might think serious conversations about substance use, behavioral health, and mental wellness are reserved for big corporations with large HR departments and employee wellness budgets. But in today’s world, even the smallest...

As a small business owner, you’re constantly focused on managing operations, retaining quality employees, and delivering value to your customers. But, as you know, drug and alcohol use can greatly impact the efficacy of your workplace and the well-being of your employees. Have you taken a close look at how prevalent drug use is in your state—and what that might mean for your workplace?

According to an annual comprehensive analysis from WalletHub, the prevalence of drug use and its related consequences—such as overdose deaths, unmet treatment needs, and drug arrests—varies drastically across...

One of the most challenging responsibilities a supervisor or manager can face is dealing with an employee who may be under the influence at work. While no one enjoys confronting these situations, it's essential to handle them carefully, thoroughly, and in line with your organization's already established policies. At the heart of that process is documentation—accurate, objective, and timely.

So what kind of documentation should supervisors actually be keeping when reasonable suspicion arises?

First and foremost, it starts with observation. Not assumptions. Not gut feelings. Concrete...

As a small business owner, you play a key role in supporting your employees’ well-being, including those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). With millions affected by SUD worldwide, it's important to create a workplace culture that encourages support and understanding for those facing this challenge.

Substance use disorder is often intertwined with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, making it difficult for employees to seek help. However, by offering flexible, personalized support, you can help them take meaningful steps toward recovery.

The first step is recognizing...

As marijuana becomes more accessible across the U.S., it’s easy to assume that legality equals safety. But that assumption can put both individuals and workplaces at risk.

Whether you’re a small business owner trying to protect your team or an employee navigating changing laws, here’s the truth: legal doesn’t mean harmless.

With more than half of U.S. states allowing marijuana in some form, and ongoing federal discussions around reclassifying the drug to a lower-risk category, many people are wondering if this means marijuana is “officially safe.” The answer isn’t so simple.

Health experts...

As the popularity of edible products containing mushrooms and other psychoactive ingredients continues to rise, employers need to be vigilant about the potential risks these substances pose in the workplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an urgent warning after reports of severe illnesses linked to mushroom-infused chocolates and gummies.

While many employees might be familiar with traditional snacks and treats, the rising trend of "microdosing" edible products is increasingly making its way into workplace environments. These products often include...

As marijuana continues to be legalized for recreational use across more U.S. states, the impacts on various aspects of society are becoming clearer. A recent study published in the JAMA Health Forum shines a spotlight on an unsettling trend: an increase in on-the-job injuries among young workers following the legalization of recreational marijuana.

The Study Findings: A 10% Increase in Injuries Among Young Workers

According to the study, the legalization of recreational marijuana was associated with a 10% increase in workplace injuries among workers aged 20 to 34.1 While this might seem like...

As a small business owner, maintaining a drug-free workplace is essential for safety, productivity, and compliance with industry regulations. However, recent reports indicate that more employees than ever are attempting to cheat on workplace drug tests. Understanding these deceptive tactics can help you take proactive steps to prevent drug use in your business and protect your workforce.

The Rising Trend of Drug Test Cheating

A recent study by Quest Diagnostics found that attempts to tamper with workplace drug tests increased more than sixfold in 2023.1 This spike coincides with the growing...

For small business owners in safety-sensitive industries like construction, transportation, and manufacturing, understanding how evolving marijuana laws affect your workplace is crucial. With marijuana legal for use in many states, maintaining a safe and compliant workplace requires careful planning and up-to-date policies.

Marijuana and Federal Law

Despite state-level legalization, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law—alongside heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. If your business has federal contracts, operates on federal property, or employs workers in federally...

As a small business owner, maintaining a drug-free workplace is essential for safety and productivity. Drug test kits are an invaluable tool in this process, whether for pre-employment screenings, random checks, or ensuring compliance with regulations. Understanding the different types of drug tests and their usage will help you make informed decisions while also keeping in mind regional laws and industry-specific rules, especially for safety-sensitive or DOT-regulated roles.

Types of Drug Test Kits

Urine Test Kits: Broad and Reliable Detection

Urine test kits are the most widely used due...

Rescinding an offer of employment is never an easy decision, but situations involving substance use or failed drug tests can make the process even more sensitive. Small business owners must approach these cases carefully to avoid legal risks while ensuring that the workplace environment is kept safe. By prioritizing clear communication, understanding applicable laws, and thorough documentation, you can navigate these challenges effectively while protecting your business.

Transparency about drug-free workplace expectations is critical throughout the hiring process. From the initial job posting...

As 2024 draws to a close, workplaces have an opportunity to reflect on the most recent data and implement strategies to support employees struggling with substance use or in recovery. Insights from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the most up-to-date source available, provide a roadmap for tackling these challenges effectively.

Key Insights from 2023 Data

1. Substance Use Trends:
   • 17.9% of people aged 18 or older (46.3 million people) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.1
   • 21.8% of people aged 12 or older (61.8 million people) used marijuana in the...

The holiday season is often a time of joy and celebration, but for employees in recovery, it can also bring unique challenges. Workplaces that proactively foster a recovery-friendly environment not only support employees but also promote a culture of well-being and inclusion.

The holidays can be particularly challenging for those in recovery due to social pressures, especially when holiday parties and events often involve alcohol or other substances, which can be activating for individuals in recovery. These employees may feel excluded or misunderstood, especially if workplace traditions...

Workplaces have a unique opportunity to make subtle yet meaningful adjustments to better support employees who may be in recovery or experiencing challenges. When businesses make small changes in their events, management style, and overall culture, they create an environment that respects and uplifts employees facing SUDs. Here are three impactful ways to make the workplace more welcoming:

# 1: Host Inclusive Gatherings with Non-Alcoholic Options

Work events can inadvertently center around alcohol, creating uncomfortable situations for employees who don’t drink and/or are in recovery. Making...

Oral fluid drug testing has proven to be scientifically reliable, is endorsed by federal guidelines, and is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

One significant advantage of oral fluid testing is its ability to detect recent drug use, making it especially valuable for post-accident testing or in states that require proof of impairment for employment actions. Oral fluid testing offers employers a clear and immediate understanding of substance use and supports timely decision-making.

The legalization of marijuana has further driven the need for...

One innovative approach to maintaining a drug-free workplace that you might not have considered is the use of trained canine detection teams. These specially trained dogs can play a crucial role in upholding your workplace policies and ensuring a secure environment for all employees.

The Role of Canine Detection in the Workplace

Incorporating canine detection teams into your drug-free workplace policy can be a proactive way to deter substance misuse. These dogs, trained to detect a wide variety of narcotics, can quickly and discreetly identify the presence of illegal substances.

A Proactive...