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In the exposure-oriented industry of retail, success stems from customer satisfaction and loyalty, quality products, competitive pricing and excellent customer service. In today's fiercely competitive marketplace, shoppers displeased with a business's quality of service can simply take their business elsewhere. Thus, retail workers who abuse alcohol and other drugs threaten not only the general security of themselves, their coworkers and their patrons, but also their company's profitability. By making America's shops alcohol and drug free, industry companies increase not only the security and well being of the nation's customers, but also the profits of their individual enterprises.
A The United States government analysis revealed workplace substance abuse is a significant problem in the retail industry. Among full-time retail workers between the ages of 18 and 49:
- 10.8% report that they have used illicit drugs in the past month.
- About 22% report that they have used illicit drugs in the last year.
- 8.8% report heavy alcohol use.1
Rates of substance abuse among workers employed in several different areas of retail are as follows:2
| |
Sector |
Current Illicit Drug Use (%) |
Past Year Illicit Drug Use (%) |
Current Heavy Alcohol Use (%) |
Apparel and Shoe Stores |
3.9 |
12.3 |
1.5 |
Auto Supply Stores and Gas Stations |
11.2 |
22.2 |
13.2 |
Department Stores |
5.7 |
13.1 |
3.5 |
Eating and Drinking Places |
16.3 |
28.0 |
15.4 |
Furniture and Appliance Stores |
14.4 |
20.2 |
6.2 |
Grocery Stores |
9.3 |
17.2 |
5.8 |
Other Retail Stores |
5.9 |
12.8 |
4.7 |
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The good news is that more and more retail industry companies, ranging from large multinational corporations to small locally owned shops, are implementing drug-free workplace programs to ensure productive workforces and safe workplaces — company features that ultimately result in increased profitability and success
Workplace Substance Abuse Articles and information sheets:
Information On the Dangers of Workplace Substance Abuse |
