8 August 2025
Substance use is not just a personal issue – it affects the workplace as well. When it happens at work, it can lead to lost productivity, more sick days and safety concerns. Both employees and employers feel the impact. People with substance use disorders often face stigma and may not get the help they need. The effects at work go beyond lost revenue, affecting teams, safety and productivity. Some of the main challenges are:
Employee suffering
Addiction can cause significant emotional distress for employees using substances and their families. Employees with a substance use disorder may struggle with using more than one substance. And about half of people with substance use disorders have another mental health condition such as depression or anxiety—a combination that requires specialised treatment.
Family members are also significantly impacted when a loved one uses drugs. Addiction can lead to emotional pain, financial difficulties, legal issues, and other challenges that affect the whole family.
High health care costs
Substance use disorders contribute to escalating health care costs and use of emergency services. People with drug or alcohol problems are more likely to be hospitalised and stay longer than people without these conditions.
Reduced productivity
Employees who struggle with substance misuse are more likely to miss work than other employees. Every year, millions of workdays are missed due to alcohol use disorders alone. Employees who struggle with drug use and related issues miss more days of work than those who take unscheduled absence, which typically amounts to around 15 days annually.
Co-worker safety
According to Lyra Health, 1 in 5 workers say they have been injured or put in danger because of a co-worker’s drinking or needed to work harder or for longer because their co-worker couldn’t complete a task due to substance use in the workplace. When people don’t feel safe at work, employee morale can suffer.
Employers, here are few ways to mitigate the impact of substance use in the workplace:
Employers play a crucial role in preventing and identifying substance use in the workplace, as well as connecting employees to resources that can provide assistance. Here are a few steps employers can take to support workers struggling with drug and alcohol use and mitigate the impact of substance use in the workplace:
- Reduce stigma to create a culture of understanding to help employees feel comfortable asking for help.
- Promote a drug-free workplace through education, training and effective policies.
- Train managers to recognise when an employee may be struggling and connect them to available resources.
- Make the process of getting help simple and easily accessible.
Addiction is a serious condition. Without the right support, it can take a toll on every part of a person’s life. Easy access to integrated, evidence-based care can transform lives and foster a healthier, more resilient workforce.
UASA is a partner of Lyra Health, a professional organisation that provides employees with professional health services throughout various life stages. UASA encourages organisations to prioritise their employees’ wellness, ensuring they receive efficient support to help them overcome health challenges that may affect their livelihood.