The When, Where, and Who of Illicit Drug Use at Work: You Might Be Surprised

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As an employer, would it help to know when and where your employees use drugs during the workday? Would it make a difference to know if they are buying or selling drugs at work and, if so, with whom they’re engaging in these illicit transactions? You might be surprised to know the when, where, and who of workplace drug abuse.

And according to a survey of more than 1,000 people[i] who were employed and who also admitted to being illicit drug users, we know there is a lot of workplace drug abuse taking place. And by “workplace drug abuse,” we mean drug use just before, during, and just after work, as well as the buying and selling of illicit drugs while on the job.

The survey found that 68.9% of illicit drug users admit to using drugs while working. Additionally…

When Do Employees Use Drugs?

• 2% admit to getting high on the way to work
• 8% while on their lunch break
• 5% in the afternoon while at work
• 5% in the morning while at work
• 2% on their way home

Given the fact that marijuana impairment, as one example, can last from 3-10 hours, according to a report from the University of Sydney,[ii] an employee who uses just before work is likely high when he or she arrives at work and probably impaired on the job.

Where Are Employees Using Drugs at Work?

• 48% in a car or in the parking lot
• 4% in the bathroom at work
• 6% just outside of the building where they work
• 8% at their desk
• 5% at a co-worker’s desk
• 7% in a supply closet
• 5% in the kitchen

Are They Using Drugs with Co-Workers?

And for those who use on the job, they’re often not using alone. According to the survey of 1,000+ workers:

• 4% use drugs with co-workers
• 8% use drugs with co-workers, superiors, and subordinates
• 5% use drugs with subordinates
• 4% use drugs with superiors

Buying and Selling Drugs at Work

Furthermore, they’re not afraid to buy and sell drugs at work. While 75.8% said they don’t sell drugs at work:

• 3% admitted to selling drugs to co-workers
• 6% said they have sold drugs to co-workers, superiors, and subordinates
• 2% admitted to selling drugs to subordinates
• 2% admitted to selling drugs to superiors

As well, some drug users apparently find it convenient to get their illicit drugs at work:

• 7% said they have purchased drugs from co-workers
• 6% said they’ve purchased drugs from co-workers, superiors, and subordinates
• 3% have purchased drugs from subordinates
• 1% have purchased drugs from superiors

Conclusion

Were you surprised by the results of the survey? For most employers the answer is yes, but more importantly the survey’s results are a call to action. Here are four things you can do to combat workplace substance abuse:

1. Recommit to employee drug testing. It is a powerful deterrent and an effective way to identify people who need help.
2. Test for the drugs people most often use. Marijuana at work is the number one illicit drug used by workers, the drug that causes the most positive drug test results, and the reason post-accident positive test results are increasing.
3. Train your supervisors. Ensure they understand the company’s drug-free workplace policy and how to spot the possible signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
4. Make sure your policy is up to date and compliant with all applicable state laws and federal regulations.

A clearly worded drug-free workplace and drug testing policy that prohibits workers from being under the influence while on the job, with real consequences for violations of the policy, can go a long way toward establishing and maintaining workplace safety.

For most employers it helps to know the when, where and who of workplace drug use.

Take control of your workplace safety today
Contact ClearStar to review your drug-free workplace policy, ensure compliance, and protect your organization from the risks of employee drug use. Click here to get started.

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Author Bio: Bill Current founded the Current Consulting Group in 1998.​ He serves on the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA)’s Board of Directors and is an NDASA Foundation Trustee​. Mr. Current has served as the former VP of Consulting at Employee Information Services, former Executive Director of the American Council for Drug Education, and the former Director of the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace.​ He is the author of 10 books on substance abuse prevention & drug testing.​

[i] Drugged Out Daily Grind: Drug Use in the Workplace. Detox. https://www.detox.com/explore/drugged-out-daily-grind/

[ii] Scientists put the stopwatch on cannabis intoxication. University of Sydney. Apr. 2021. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/04/12/scientists-put-stopwatch-on-cannabis-thc-intoxication-lambert-drug-driving.html

Current Consulting Group - Expert Drug Testing Industry Consultants

With 25 years in the industry, Current Consulting Group is uniquely qualified to meet its dual mission, which is to help employers comply with all applicable drug testing laws and regulations and to help employee screening providers increase revenue, improve profitability, and effectively promote their brand.

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