Identifying and Addressing Issues of Substance Use in the Workplace

Substance use can affect any workplace, regardless of industry or job role. While many people associate workplace substance use with safety incidents, the impacts often extend further, affecting productivity, mental health, morale, and overall well-being. Understanding how substance use and addiction shows up at work, and knowing how to respond with care and clarity, helps create safer and more supportive workplaces for everyone.

Why Substance Use Is a Workplace Health and Safety Issue

Many jobs require focus, coordination, and sound judgment. When substances impair these abilities, the risk of incidents increases¹. Substance use can affect work in several ways, including:

• Reduced alertness, judgment, or motor coordination
• Absenteeism, lateness, or presenteeism
• Declining performance or productivity
• Increased risk of workplace injuries or near misses
• Strained relationships with co-workers or supervisors¹

Substance use exists on a spectrum, from occasional use to substance use disorder. Employers are not responsible for diagnosing addiction, but they are responsible for identifying impairment that may affect safety or job performance¹.

Understanding Substance Use and Impairment

Different substances affect the body and brain in different ways. Alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, stimulants, and opioids can all impair cognitive function, reaction time, and emotional regulation¹. Over time, repeated use can change brain functioning and may lead to substance use disorder, a recognized medical condition, not a personal failure¹.

Substance use disorder can be influenced by many factors, including stress, trauma, mental health challenges, genetics, and work conditions¹. Recovery is possible, but it often involves setbacks and requires ongoing support.

Workplace Factors That Can Increase Risk of Substance Use

Certain work environments may increase vulnerability to substance use, especially when combined with personal stressors. Common risk factors include:

• High job stress or workload demands
• Long or irregular shifts
• Fatigue or repetitive tasks
• Low job satisfaction or lack of support
• Isolation or limited supervision¹

Recognizing these factors can help workplaces take proactive steps toward prevention and early intervention.

Legal Responsibilities and the Duty to Accommodate Regarding Substance Use

In Canada, substance use disorder is considered a disability under human rights legislation. Employers have a legal duty to accommodate employees to the point of undue hardship²³. This means approaching concerns respectfully, maintaining confidentiality, and focusing on safety and accommodation rather than punishment.

Accommodation may include schedule adjustments, temporary reassignment, medical leave, or support through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)². Relapse can be part of recovery, and accommodation plans may need to evolve over time².

Creating a Supportive Workplace Response to Substance Use

Effective workplace responses focus on consistency, fairness, and compassion. Helpful steps include:

• Clear impairment and safety policies
• Training for supervisors to recognize signs of impairment
• Education for employees about substance use and mental health
• Access to support services and referrals
• Reducing stigma so employees feel safe asking for help¹³
• Early support can improve outcomes for individuals while reducing long-term workplace impacts.

Finding Help and Support for Addiction and Substance Use

Substance use challenges can affect anyone, and support is available. ConnexOntario offers free, confidential information and referrals to addiction, mental health, and gambling support services across Ontario. If substance use is affecting work, safety, or well-being, reaching out can be a positive first step toward support and recovery.

Resources

1. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/substance.html
2. https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/sites/default/files/publication-pdfs/chrc_impaired_at_work_v2018-3_eng.pdf
3. https://www.ontario.ca/page/drugs-alcohol-and-workplace-health-and-safety