--- title: "Drugs on the Job: What Employers Should Know about Opioids in the Workplace" description: Most employers have been hurt by employee misuse of legally prescribed medications. Learn what employers need to know about opioid abuse in the workplace. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/hydrocodone.jpg --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - 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[Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [All about COVID-19 in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/covid19) - [Kansas & Missouri HR News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-and-missouri-hr-news) - [Kansas City Interest News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-city-interest-news) - [PEO/HRO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) - Choose Topic: - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - Payroll Administrations - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) # Drugs on the Job: What Employers Should Know about Opioids in the Workplace By [Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) on [Jan 31, 2019](https://blog.axcethr.com/drugs-on-the-job-what-employers-should-know-about-opioids-in-the-workplace) 3 min read [0 comment(s)](https://blog.axcethr.com/drugs-on-the-job-what-employers-should-know-about-opioids-in-the-workplace#comments-listing) Share this: - - - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/drugs-on-the-job-what-employers-should-know-about-opioids-in-the-workplace](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/drugs-on-the-job-what-employers-should-know-about-opioids-in-the-workplace) - [mailto:?subject=Drugs%20on%20the%20Job:%20What%20Employers%20Should%20Know%20about%20Opioids%20in%20the%20Workplace&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/drugs-on-the-job-what-employers-should-know-about-opioids-in-the-workplace](mailto:?subject=Drugs%20on%20the%20Job:%20What%20Employers%20Should%20Know%20about%20Opioids%20in%20the%20Workplace&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/drugs-on-the-job-what-employers-should-know-about-opioids-in-the-workplace) ![Drugs on the Job: What Employers Should Know about Opioids in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hydrocodone.jpg?width=1048&name=hydrocodone.jpg) Chances are one or more of your employees misuses or knows someone who abuses opioids, the powerful prescription pain relievers that can cause impairment, addiction and fatal overdose. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some 11.4 million Americans misused prescription pain medicine in 2016 and 2017. Often prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, opioids are highly addictive, and virtually anyone can develop a problem with them. ## The Opioid Crisis Sooner or later, the opioid addiction epidemic – which the President has called a national public health emergency – will affect your workplace. Consider these staggering statistics: - ### The American Psychiatric Association reports: - Nearly one-third of Americans say they can name people who are or have been addicted to opioids or prescription painkillers, and - About half of the people polled say the opioid crisis is impacting “people like them.” - ### Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research demonstrates: - One in three Americans had a prescription for an opioid in 2015. - Nearly 50,000 Americans, or around 130 people per day, died from drug overdoses involving a prescription or illicit opioid in 2017 – more than double the number of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2010. - The crisis affects the entire country and all demographics. - As many as one in four patients receiving long-term opioid therapy in a primary care setting struggles with opioid addiction. [![jan 31 ctt-1](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jan%2031%20ctt-1.png?width=635&name=jan%2031%20ctt-1.png)](https://ctt.ec/fPC9I) Data from other sources, including the HHS and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, also show that more than half of adults with an opioid addiction are employed. That translates to increased costs for employers, from lost productivity to increased health care bills. Nationwide, the CDC and the HHS estimate that the total economic burden of opioid abuse is approximately $78.5 billion annually – with $29 billion of that representing increased health care costs. Signs of opioid abuse can be difficult to spot. A recent survey by The Hartford Financial Services Group insurance company found that only 24 percent of HR professionals and 18 percent of workers feel confident they could recognize an addict. Further complicating matters are American with Disabilities Act and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines that make it extremely difficult for employers to determine if an employee’s use of drugs is legitimate or not. [![What Employers Need to Know about Legal Marijuana in the Workplace](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/973393d7-97cf-488b-9d26-6e35d4ca146c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/973393d7-97cf-488b-9d26-6e35d4ca146c) ## How Employers Can Help Still, employers can take steps to reduce employee substance abuse. In turn, they can decrease health care costs and workplace injuries while improving productivity. - Employers should, if possible, provide resources for employees seeking help for opioid addiction, especially those who self-disclose the problem. One place to start is your existing health care plan. It already may offer benefits to your employees, such as drug abuse programs and access to chronic pain specialists, behavioral health professionals and alternative medical treatments. If so, remind employees about these resources. - Educate workers about the hazards of opioids and using illicit substances. Share third-party information through employee communications channels to raise awareness of the dangers associated with prescription pain killers. When employees understand the risks associated with prescription opioids, those who need treatment for pain will be able to consider whether some other alternative might be a better option for them. - Implement or remind employees about your company’s drug-free workplace policies, which should include language that addresses the non-medical use of prescription drugs. Reiterate that alcohol and drug use is prohibited in the workplace. [*In today's tight labor market, it may be tempting to drop employee drug testing in order to expand your talent pool. Here are four questions to ask before dropping your business' program.*](https://blog.axcethr.com/drug-tests-four-questions-to-ask-before-dropping-your-program) *[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/ad264ad9-5421-46e0-a7b8-7a6fc0ccfbe6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/ad264ad9-5421-46e0-a7b8-7a6fc0ccfbe6)* If you suspect one of your employees is abusing opioids or has a family member struggling with the issue, provide the opportunity for that person to confidentially discuss his or her health benefits with an HR professional. Emphasize that the company will protect the privacy of employees who seek treatment, in accordance with HHS federal regulations regarding the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records. If you don’t have in-house HR resources, you can work with a qualified, third-party [HR expert like Axcet HR Solutions, which can help you navigate these issues.](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/workplace-safety/) [![Human Resources Suspected Drug and Alcohol Use at Work](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/8b0e6713-b0d7-469a-9302-b2368d585cb3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/8b0e6713-b0d7-469a-9302-b2368d585cb3) Serious addictions, left untreated, ultimately will result in poor job performance or attendance. When this occurs, you should document the behaviors. You also can coach or discipline employees for legitimate problems at work, even if they are related to legal prescription drug use. A caring conversation about an employee’s options for help may be more beneficial in curbing the issues than threatening or abruptly terminating an individual. For more information on steps you can take to address opioids in the workplace, read the [National Safety Council’s report](https://www.nsc.org/Portals/0/Documents/RxDrugOverdoseDocuments/RxKit/The-Proactive-Role-Employers-Can-Take-Opioids-in-the-Workplace.pdf). [![Workplace safety consulting services led by Axcet’s credentialed experts](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-189244092592.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIaImuTVdWk2DYabBE6S68cBiiysabuYBn7YjrtkehYQBD%2BIMoSry46zNAgwyvajnA2QY2AnCT%2Fie5hrHWLlhYqW0K9qoegilKKQdZsfX2D0%2Brkcu5OrXhErPnQQQKbH3DP4FqtPu4AMwmtkbO42IiEJagX5kqjEvX6qiaXdVv%2BWMF0Vm41zWr0cxfDrsjtmX3Xf0p8U0vF7%2FXF6dCvFLB12Y2eALwR6E33JBxF3Lln3NT%2FA4BfVXrpT0z2QNbzmmw7QbZejVL9Ee%2B9N1pmhASHwu1BiTWlZnhOUz%2FEwwDyeQHdJicL0wWoC1p4hocOlr3kBN1UbiNPNai%2Ffg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=189244092592&portalId=2652187) [![Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeanette-04.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Jeanette-04.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) Written by #### [Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) Jeanette Coleman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the Director of Human Resources at Axcet HR Solutions, where she has contributed her expertise for over 21 years. As a leader in the HR industry, she holds advanced certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Jeanette oversees HR strategy and operations, ensuring Axcet delivers exceptional HR services that help small and mid-sized businesses stay compliant and grow. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University, Jeanette is well-equipped to lead and support clients in navigating complex HR challenges. Throughout her 15-year tenure as Director of Human Resources, she has been instrumental in positioning Axcet as the Midwest’s largest and premier Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Her previous roles at Axcet include Director of Employee Benefits and Senior HR Consultant, where she gained extensive experience in HR outsourcing, and employee risk management. Jeanette’s expertise has been recognized through industry and regional publications. She co-authored the article “High-Touch in the Age of High-Tech: How PEOs Can Embrace AI Without Losing Their Humanity” (https://peoinsider.org/articles/high-touch-in-the-age-of-high-tech-how-peos-can-embrace-ai-without-losing-their-humanity/) for PEO Insider (March 2026), alongside Jo McClure, and was featured in Ingram’s Magazine in a Q&A (https://ingrams.com/article/qa-with-jeanette-coleman/) discussing generational change, technology, and workplace culture. These contributions reflect her perspective on balancing innovation with the human side of HR. Jeanette’s leadership reflects her deep commitment to helping businesses thrive through strategic, compliance-driven HR solutions. Through her writing, she shares insights on HR strategy, compliance, and best practices to help employers confidently manage their workforce. Published in: PEO Insider and Ingram's Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents ### Related Resources - [services Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [services recruitment & retention](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/recruitment-and-retention/) #### [ACA Employer Penalties: IRS Letter 226J ![ACA Employer Penalties: IRS Letter 226J](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Colleagues%20reading%20documents%20in%20an%20office-1.jpeg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/aca-employer-penalties-irs-letter-226-j) #### [![Local vs. National: 4 Reasons It’s Better to Partner With a Local PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/business%20partners%2c%20partnership%20concept%20with%20two%20businessman%20handshake.jpeg) Local vs. National PEO: 4 Reasons It’s Better to Partner With a Local PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/local-vs.-national-4-reasons-its-better-to-partner-with-a-local-peo) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman" }, "dateModified" : "2025-04-25T14:23:08.727Z", "datePublished" : "2019-01-31T15:37:22.000Z", "headline" : "Drugs on the Job: What Employers Should Know about Opioids in the Workplace", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/hydrocodone.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/drugs-on-the-job-what-employers-should-know-about-opioids-in-the-workplace", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. 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According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some 11.4 million Americans misused prescription pain medicine in 2016 and 2017. Often prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, opioids are highly addictive, and virtually anyone can develop a problem with them. The Opioid Crisis Sooner or later, the opioid addiction epidemic – which the President has called a national public health emergency – will affect your workplace. Consider these staggering statistics: The American Psychiatric Association reports: Nearly one-third of Americans say they can name people who are or have been addicted to opioids or prescription painkillers, and About half of the people polled say the opioid crisis is impacting “people like them.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research demonstrates: One in three Americans had a prescription for an opioid in 2015. Nearly 50,000 Americans, or around 130 people per day, died from drug overdoses involving a prescription or illicit opioid in 2017 – more than double the number of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2010. The crisis affects the entire country and all demographics. As many as one in four patients receiving long-term opioid therapy in a primary care setting struggles with opioid addiction. Data from other sources, including the HHS and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, also show that more than half of adults with an opioid addiction are employed. That translates to increased costs for employers, from lost productivity to increased health care bills. Nationwide, the CDC and the HHS estimate that the total economic burden of opioid abuse is approximately $78.5 billion annually – with $29 billion of that representing increased health care costs. Signs of opioid abuse can be difficult to spot. A recent survey by The Hartford Financial Services Group insurance company found that only 24 percent of HR professionals and 18 percent of workers feel confident they could recognize an addict. Further complicating matters are American with Disabilities Act and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines that make it extremely difficult for employers to determine if an employee’s use of drugs is legitimate or not. How Employers Can Help Still, employers can take steps to reduce employee substance abuse. In turn, they can decrease health care costs and workplace injuries while improving productivity. Employers should, if possible, provide resources for employees seeking help for opioid addiction, especially those who self-disclose the problem. One place to start is your existing health care plan. It already may offer benefits to your employees, such as drug abuse programs and access to chronic pain specialists, behavioral health professionals and alternative medical treatments. If so, remind employees about these resources. Educate workers about the hazards of opioids and using illicit substances. Share third-party information through employee communications channels to raise awareness of the dangers associated with prescription pain killers. When employees understand the risks associated with prescription opioids, those who need treatment for pain will be able to consider whether some other alternative might be a better option for them. Implement or remind employees about your company’s drug-free workplace policies, which should include language that addresses the non-medical use of prescription drugs. Reiterate that alcohol and drug use is prohibited in the workplace. In today's tight labor market, it may be tempting to drop employee drug testing in order to expand your talent pool. Here are four questions to ask before dropping your business' program. If you suspect one of your employees is abusing opioids or has a family member struggling with the issue, provide the opportunity for that person to confidentially discuss his or her health benefits with an HR professional. Emphasize that the company will protect the privacy of employees who seek treatment, in accordance with HHS federal regulations regarding the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records. If you don’t have in-house HR resources, you can work with a qualified, third-party HR expert like Axcet HR Solutions, which can help you navigate these issues. Serious addictions, left untreated, ultimately will result in poor job performance or attendance. When this occurs, you should document the behaviors. You also can coach or discipline employees for legitimate problems at work, even if they are related to legal prescription drug use. A caring conversation about an employee’s options for help may be more beneficial in curbing the issues than threatening or abruptly terminating an individual. For more information on steps you can take to address opioids in the workplace, read the National Safety Council’s report.", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman" }, "dateCreated" : "2019-01-31", "dateModified" : "2025-04-25", "datePublished" : "2019-01-31", "description" : "Chances are one or more of your employees misuses or knows someone who abuses opioids, the powerful prescription pain relievers that can cause impairment, addiction and fatal overdose. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some 11.4 million Americans misused prescription pain medicine in 2016 and 2017. 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