More than 22 million people in America are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Less than ten percent of those people will seek addiction treatment programs they need to recover. 70% of them, however, will continue to maintain employment as their addiction issues worsen. Functioning addiction and alcoholism is sustainable for a matter of time- for the addict or the alcoholic. For the company and business owners, however, the cost of addiction in the workplace is not sustainable, taking a significant toll.

Addiction In The Workplace By The Numbers

Although some of those people struggling with addiction will not admit it, they will continue to work as their condition worsens. Every year businesses are financially affected by workers whose addiction negatively impacts their performance.

$81 billion in lost profits: Addiction in the workplace costs over $80 billion in lost profits for businesses and organizations, every single year. While addicts and alcoholics continue to work, their productivity in work increasingly worsens. Though they can maintain a job they might not be able to maintain the same job, costing companies a lot of money in turnover, firing, and hiring. Some turn to embezzling or stealing from the workplace, either directly from the company or from fellow employees. In addition, they may take more days off as they get sick from using, sick from trying to stop using, or going to doctors’ appointments. Absenteeism, sick time, paid time off and more can affect the workplace tremendously.

42% of employees who are currently struggling with drug or alcohol addiction report feeling that they are not as productive as they used to be. It is possible the other percentage simply does not notice.

16% of emergency room visits for work-related injuries include the consumption of alcohol, according to breathalyzer tests

10% or more of workplace fatalities include the consumption of alcohol

Risks of Addiction in the Workplace

There are other risks as well. Being intoxicated heavily or minimally during the day leads to cognitive dysfunction, resulting in poor judgment and poor decision making. Feeling tired, exhausted, not in the right mind, not focused, still drunk or high, is a risk to productivity, profit, but more importantly, safety. Mental illness in the workplace, be it addiction, alcoholism, or co-occurring disorders, has no specific ranking. Lowest level employees to highest level employees can struggle with their mental health and have an impact on the company as a whole.

For jobs that require manual labor, a person showing up to work under the influence can be extremely dangerous. If a person shows up to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can make a mistake that can lead to injury or possible death. If an employee does require rehab, The Family and Medical Leave Act protects that employee from being fired while getting treatment and ensures they maintain their health insurance during treatment.

Get Addiction Help From Oceanfront Recovery

Addiction in the workplace affects millions of Americans every year. It also affects millions of businesses across the globe. It is important to know that help is available to those who need it. At Oceanfront Recovery, we are home to different substance abuse programs that can help overcome addiction. These programs include:

If you are a business owner or executive who is struggling with mental illness or addiction in the workplace, there is a program available for you. Oceanfront Recovery offers a specialized executive treatment program which provides the utmost privacy in care while giving executives a safe and structured place to work while recovering. For more information, call us today at 877.296.7477.