|
Despite fairly widespread belief, the health care industry is not immune to workplace substance abuse. Health care industry workers who abuse alcohol and other drugs threaten the safety and well being of not only themselves, but their colleagues and a countless number of patients. By keeping America's hospitals, clinics and other heath-related establishments free of substance abuse, industry administrators work to ensure the health of their staff and clients and further their company's reputation as a provider of high-quality services in which patients and their loved ones can place their trust.
A The United States government analysis revealed that over 4% of nursing home workers and over five% of hospital and other health services workers report heavy drinking.1
Rates of substance abuse among different types of personnel within the health care industry are as follows:2
| |
Position |
Current Illicit Drug Use (%) |
Past Year Illicit Drug Use (%) |
Current Heavy Drug Use (%) |
Physicians, Dentists, Optometrists |
-- |
19.8 |
-- |
Nurses and Nursing Aides |
5.5 |
12.8 |
2.8 |
Dental and Health Aides |
2.8 |
9.9 |
2.3 |
Therapists |
4.0 |
7.2 |
3.5 |
Clinical and Laboratory Technologists |
4.3 |
8.9 |
2.2 |
|
The good news is that more and more health care industry companies, ranging from large hospitals to small clinics, are implementing drug-free workplace programs in order to ensure a safe working environment for their workers and high-quality care for their clients.
Workplace Substance Abuse Articles and information sheets:
Information On the Dangers of Workplace Substance Abuse |
