Substance Abuse Prevalent in Workplace, Research Shows

Ignoring Junkies in the Workplace: Employers are too timid when it comes to helping substance abusers overcome their cravings. According to the Hazelden Foundation, a Center City, Minnesota-based nonprofit, substance abuse and drug addiction are among the most serious workplace issues facing employers in America, cited by 67 percent of HR professionals. Yet the problem is being kept in the shadows, with less than one-quarter of companies (22 percent) “openly and proactively” dealing with the issue. The survey of 1,000 HR professionals revealed that, while many companies provide employee assistance benefits, few addicted workers are being referred for treatment, mostly because of their reluctance to talk about it and HR’s discomfort in raising the issue. Hazelden provides drug treatment and related services.