ABSTRACT
Employers should be aware that drug use is an issue for the whole workforce, and should not be thought of as more or less prevalent among employees of a certain grade, status or job type. No employer is immune to the problem. The majority of individuals who use illicit drugs or have an alcohol problem are in employment and, particularly in the early stages, the issue may go unnoticed by colleagues. Inappropriate use of drugs and alcohol can result in serious consequences for both individuals and businesses. Therefore, employers are advised to take proactive measures to address the issues of drugs and alcohol in the workplace. Developing an effective drug and alcohol policy can help clarify the organisation’s rules and procedures for dealing with the issue of drugs and alcohol in a fair, consistent and supportive manner.
