To prevent and detect alcohol or alcoholism in the workplace, many employers now perform a drug and alcohol test in the workplace. This helps to ensure a safe workplace for everyone, as alcohol in the workplace can contribute to many safety issues.
Speak with an Addiction Specialist
24/7 Helpline
FREE Expert Advice - Confidentially guaranteed
There are a number of different drug and alcohol test that can be performed:
A workplace that does drug and alcohol testing should have a drug and alcohol test policy in place. The policy might specify be testing for :
Many employers have a zero tolerance policy for alcohol or alcoholism or drug use in the workplace, and a positive result on an alcohol or drug test would result in immediate termination of employment.
However, many other employers have employee assistance programs in place to help employees with substance abuse problems, including alcohol or alcoholism.
These programs provide mental health and substance abuse counseling to employees and may provide referrals to other services as needed. Employee assistance programs (known as EAP’s) allow companies to retain good employees while maintaining safe and effective workplaces.
An EAP may also provide education to employees about substance abuse in the workplace and the dangers associated with it. They may also provide education to supervisors about how to recognize when employees may be using controlled substances and when a drug and alcohol test might be appropriate.
The employee assistance program can be a valuable resource for a company. For smaller companies that may not have EAP’s, management can call in community resources (such as their local United Way) to provide some of these services.
More alcohol or alcoholism info on our alcoholism in the workplace page