Workplace Context to Prevent Substance Misuse in the United States: Associations Between workplace Policies and Employee Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Workplace policies are important because employee rates of alcohol and drug misuse can be associated with work-related risk factors in the United States. To explore the associations, this study analyzed the 2010–2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health datasets. The overall sample size was 130,726, and the SUD outcome variables included alcohol, marijuana, pain reliever, and illicit drug use disorders. 20% of participants reported no substance use policies in their workplace. Significant associations were identified between all four measured SUD outcome variables, the presence of specific substance use workplace policies, and individual employment sectors. Specifically, comprehensive policies out of six policies were significantly associated with decreased SUDs in nearly every employment sector. The results of this study suggest that workplace substance use policies are important to prevent the development of employee SUDs and comprehensive policies in place can be most effective.

County‐level industrial composition of the labor force and drug overdose mortality rates in the United States in 2018–2021

“…Their rates ranked among the top five, following closely behind construction (130.9 deaths per 100,000 workers). This observation aligns with earlier studies reporting the highest prevalence rates of past‐year substance use disorder among individuals employed in accommodation and food services (16.9%), even higher than workers in construction (14.3%) 12,13 …”

“…These measures might include proactive measures against drug contamination, enhanced technology for drug content testing at the point of use, increased availability of take-home naloxone kits, and supervised consumption sites. 32,33 Additionally, implementing workplace safety protocols, 34 comprehensive alcohol/other drug policies and support services, 13,35,36 ensuring safe practices for opioid prescriptions for workers managing workplace injuries or pain, 37 and expanding opioid hazard awareness and peer support programs for employees engaged in treatment and recovery 38 can be beneficial, especially in the A/S/WM/R services sector.…”

“…This observation aligns with earlier studies reporting the highest prevalence rates of past-year substance use disorder among individuals employed in accommodation and food services (16.9%), even higher than workers in construction (14.3%). 12,13 While this research is valuable in illuminating potential drug overdose mortality risks associated with specific industries, several gaps still exist. First, studies relying primarily on decedent-level data, especially when environmental factors are not adequately controlled, may lead to biased estimates in studies that span national or multiple areas.…”