ABSTRACT
The global challenge of substance abuse and addictions within all societies calls for concerted and collaborative efforts to promote societies free of drugs. The workplace can also be affected indirectly through the potential covert nature of substance abuse. In an American report, 47 percent of all industrial injuries and 40 percent of all industrial fatalities could be linked to alcohol abuse and addiction. Epidemiological data from America shows that among adolescents, prescription and over-the-counter medications account for most drug abuse, when excluding cannabis. Absenteeism was also shown to be higher among alcohol abusers due to alcohol-related illnesses as well as due to increased accidents among alcohol abusers. Substance abuse and addiction is one of the concerns dealt with within employee assistance programmes. Early and timely detection of substance abuse within the workforce is facilitated by the implementation of drug and alcohol workplace policies.
