Many employers see a failed background check due to a history of substance use and associated criminal charges, and shut the door on a potential new employee.  But what if that person is in recovery? How does that individual get a foot in the door when it’s already closed? The truth is, many employers overlook individuals in recovery who are often highly motivated to rebuild stability, purpose, and trust.

Thirty – ninety days in treatment alone is rarely enough to sustain recovery long term. Many people leave structured programs only to face unstable housing, financial stress, and limited...

Many employers have a drug and alcohol free workplace policy tucked into an employee handbook which was carefully written years ago and is rarely revisited unless an issue arises. But the workplace landscape surrounding substance use has changed significantly. Laws are evolving in states and cities all over the U.S., new substances are emerging, and expectations around employee rights and workplace safety continue to shift.

Is your policy still doing the job it was created to do?

Reviewing a workplace drug and alcohol policy is no longer just about compliance. It is an opportunity to...

A survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by Drug Rehab USA examined how stress influences substance use and revealed trends that have important implications for today’s workplaces. Stress is rising for so many workers across the United States, and many are struggling to make ends meet or to maintain consistent and affordable healthcare. As a result, employees across all age ranges are turning to substances (even during the workday or on breaks) to “get through the day.”

In the past, particularly with Gen X and Boomers, there has been an idea that substances are something used after work to...

Kratom leaves, which contain psychoactive substances, come from a tree native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in countries like Thailand and Indonesia, kratom leaves are generally crushed and then can be consumed in various forms: smoked, vaped, powdered in beverages, liquid extract “shots,” or taken as capsules. However, we are now seeing Kratom in all forms pop up in the United States in smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores, and online.

The most recent usage data of kratom reports that about 1.6 million people in the United States use kratom.1 Kratom, which is an opioid, has...

As more states legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use, many small business owners are asking an important question: should marijuana still be included in workplace drug testing programs? The answer is yes – but it requires thoughtful policy design and clear communication.

One of the biggest challenges with marijuana testing comes down to basic chemistry. Marijuana’s active psychoactive compound, THC, is fat soluble, while things like alcohol is water soluble (off-duty use of the substances are often compared, if not in actuality comparable). This difference plays a major role in...

If you’ve ever heard someone – especially one of your employees – say, “It’s just marijuana; what’s the big deal?”, you’re not alone. In a world where attitudes toward marijuana are rapidly shifting and laws are changing, it’s tempting to assume marijuana use isn’t “that bad.”

Here’s the honest breakdown of this drug.

1. Marijuana Impacts the Brain

Research shows that the active ingredient in marijuana (THC) binds to brain receptors involved in learning, memory, attention, and decision-making. That means even occasional use can affect cognitive performance in ways that matter on the job...

Across the nation, nearly four out of five employers and almost three-quarters of employees say opioid use is a problem in workplaces.1 62% of employers, along with nearly half of employees, believe opioids are impacting workplace safety.1 Yet despite these concerns, only about 30% of employees report that their workplace actually has naloxone – a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose – available.1

Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. It’s available without a prescription in all 50 states, and it can be administered by...

A newly released guide from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Dräger Safety in the United Kingdom is sounding the alarm on the crisis of workplace impairment. While this study was conducted in the United Kingdom, its findings should serve as an urgent warning for employers across the United States.

RoSPA’s Best Practice Guide for Managing Drink and Drug Misuse uncovered several sobering statistics:

• 40% of industrial accidents in the UK are linked to substance misuse.
• Up to three million workers (about 3% of the workforce) have attended work under the influence...

At some point, just about every business will face the challenge of an employee struggling with substance use. While these situations can be complex and emotional, they also present an opportunity for employers to show compassion, strengthen their workplace culture, and retain valuable talent. Supporting an employee through treatment and recovery isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also good business.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Recovery Ready Workplace program asserts that
workers with SUDs take nearly 50% more days of unscheduled leave than other workers and have an average annual...

A new report shows fentanyl is increasingly appearing in workplace drug tests, particularly among employees who have already passed pre-employment screening. Understanding what’s going on and taking proactive steps can help protect your team, your reputation, and your bottom line.

A recent study by Quest Diagnostics provides a clear picture of the issue. Quest analyzed over eight million workforce drug tests across the U.S. In 2024, random and unannounced drug tests (tests not tied to hiring) found fentanyl more than seven times as often as pre-employment screenings.1 Even more concerning...

During Overdose Awareness Week, we come together to remember the lives lost to overdose, support those still struggling, and take meaningful action toward change. This observance culminates on August 31 with International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), which is a global campaign dedicated to ending overdose, breaking stigma, and fostering hope.

While overdose often brings to mind events outside of work, the reality is sobering: overdoses happen in workplaces, too. In 2023 alone, there were 512 overdose deaths in U.S. workplaces—accounting for 9.7% of all occupational injury deaths that year.1...

You’re constantly juggling priorities for your employees by keeping operations running smoothly, retaining good employees, and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. But there’s one issue that may be happening right under your nose and impacting all three: substance use at work.

A recent national study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that nearly 9% of U.S. workers under the age of 30 have used alcohol or drugs while on the job.1 That includes cannabis, alcohol, and other substances like prescription painkillers or opioids. Led by researchers at The Ohio...

America’s substance use challenges aren’t confined to hospitals or treatment centers—they’re part of everyday life, including the workplace. With approximately 48.7 million Americans (17.3 percent of the population) living with a substance use disorder (SUD), chances are that someone on your team is navigating this journey. The good news? With the right support, recovery is not only possible—it can thrive in the workplace.

You may not have heard of peer support before. What exactly is it?

PRSS are non‑clinical services delivered by trained employees with lived experience of addiction and...

If you’re a small business owner, you probably wear a lot of hats: manager, mentor, HR rep, sometimes even IT support. You already know that building a successful company today means adapting to change—especially when it comes to supporting your team. One area where the modern workplace is evolving fast is how we approach substance use and mental health on the job.

You might think serious conversations about substance use, behavioral health, and mental wellness are reserved for big corporations with large HR departments and employee wellness budgets. But in today’s world, even the smallest...

As a small business owner, you’re constantly focused on managing operations, retaining quality employees, and delivering value to your customers. But, as you know, drug and alcohol use can greatly impact the efficacy of your workplace and the well-being of your employees. Have you taken a close look at how prevalent drug use is in your state—and what that might mean for your workplace?

According to an annual comprehensive analysis from WalletHub, the prevalence of drug use and its related consequences—such as overdose deaths, unmet treatment needs, and drug arrests—varies drastically across...

One of the most challenging responsibilities a supervisor or manager can face is dealing with an employee who may be under the influence at work. While no one enjoys confronting these situations, it's essential to handle them carefully, thoroughly, and in line with your organization's already established policies. At the heart of that process is documentation—accurate, objective, and timely.

So what kind of documentation should supervisors actually be keeping when reasonable suspicion arises?

First and foremost, it starts with observation. Not assumptions. Not gut feelings. Concrete...

As a small business owner, you play a key role in supporting your employees’ well-being, including those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). With millions affected by SUD worldwide, it's important to create a workplace culture that encourages support and understanding for those facing this challenge.

Substance use disorder is often intertwined with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, making it difficult for employees to seek help. However, by offering flexible, personalized support, you can help them take meaningful steps toward recovery.

The first step is recognizing...

As marijuana becomes more accessible across the U.S., it’s easy to assume that legality equals safety. But that assumption can put both individuals and workplaces at risk.

Whether you’re a small business owner trying to protect your team or an employee navigating changing laws, here’s the truth: legal doesn’t mean harmless.

With more than half of U.S. states allowing marijuana in some form, and ongoing federal discussions around reclassifying the drug to a lower-risk category, many people are wondering if this means marijuana is “officially safe.” The answer isn’t so simple.

Health experts...

As the popularity of edible products containing mushrooms and other psychoactive ingredients continues to rise, employers need to be vigilant about the potential risks these substances pose in the workplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an urgent warning after reports of severe illnesses linked to mushroom-infused chocolates and gummies.

While many employees might be familiar with traditional snacks and treats, the rising trend of "microdosing" edible products is increasingly making its way into workplace environments. These products often include...

As marijuana continues to be legalized for recreational use across more U.S. states, the impacts on various aspects of society are becoming clearer. A recent study published in the JAMA Health Forum shines a spotlight on an unsettling trend: an increase in on-the-job injuries among young workers following the legalization of recreational marijuana.

The Study Findings: A 10% Increase in Injuries Among Young Workers

According to the study, the legalization of recreational marijuana was associated with a 10% increase in workplace injuries among workers aged 20 to 34.1 While this might seem like...