The opioid crisis in America really began in the latter part of the 1990s. As drugs such as OxyContin were being widely touted for pain treatment, attendant labeling issues, inaccurate information and opioid diversion were contributing to the rampant misuse of these medications. By the end of the 90s and the beginning of the 2000s, the country had a full-blown crisis on its hands. The problem with this particular crisis was that because the fields of pain and addiction medicine were relatively new, no one quite understood how to address the issue of opioid addiction.
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1. Opioid Addiction Statistics
2. The Local Impact of Opioids
3. Understanding How Opioids Affect the Workplace
4. Protecting Your Company & Your Employees
The country continues to suffer the devastating effects of opioid addiction, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids driving the vast majority of overdose deaths. According to the American Medical Association’s 2023–2024 overdose reports, illicitly manufactured fentanyl remains the primary driver of the nation’s overdose crisis. Despite expanded prevention and treatment efforts, tens of thousands of Americans continue to lose their lives each year due to opioid misuse and overdose. Consider the following:
Opioid misuse continues to take a severe toll on Kansas City and communities across Missouri. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri reported 2,180 opioid-involved deaths in 2022, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl driving the majority of those fatalities. Kansas City and the surrounding Jackson County region continue to record some of the highest overdose rates in the state. (DHSS, 2022 Missouri Opioid Summary)
Statewide data shows that overdose deaths involving opioids have more than doubled in Missouri since 2016, and fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise despite increased prevention and treatment efforts. Public health agencies warn that fentanyl contamination of counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs is fueling much of the increase. (CDC & DHSS statewide trend data)
Missouri operates a statewide Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to track controlled-substance prescribing and help identify potential misuse. The state also supports a major harm-reduction initiative now branded as “No MO Deaths,” a program focused on providing free naloxone (Narcan), overdose-prevention education and access to treatment resources for communities statewide.
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Given that there are currently over 60 million people on some form of prescribed opioid, it could very well be that someone within your office is in fact using a medication of this type. The problem arises when prescription medications, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and others, begin to cause impairment as a result of misuse or overuse. Obviously, there is an immediate inherent danger to the person abusing the opioids, but there can also be a very real danger posed to others in your workplace.
The incorrect use of these types of drugs can lead to an increased risk of workplace incidents, errors and injury; even when these drugs are used as prescribed, there may be precautions that need to be taken in order to avoid accidents or problems. While people often respond differently to opioids, these medications can cause drowsiness, poor memory, confusion, decreased cognitive functions and impairment of neuromuscular coordination.
In light of the side effects of various types of opioid medications, there are industries, such as construction for example, in which it may not be safe to have an employee who is on opioid medication perform their regular duties—at least during the course of their treatment.
When it comes to opioids in the workplace, there is no simple, one-size-fits-all solution. Beyond the physical and mental impacts that opioid misuse can have on workers, the financial consequences are significant. Employees with substance use disorders have nearly double the healthcare costs of other employees, and workers’ compensation claims involving prescribed opioids often come with higher claim costs and longer return-to-work timelines.
Because of this, it’s essential for employers to take proactive steps to protect both their people and their business. Consider the following strategies:
Educate employees on opioid risks.
Providing accurate, stigma-free information helps employees understand the serious risks associated with opioid misuse—while also acknowledging that many workers use prescription opioids responsibly for chronic pain. Creating a culture where employees feel safe discussing concerns is an important first step toward connecting those who need help with appropriate support.
Re-evaluate your workplace drug-testing policy.
Drug testing can be an effective safety tool, but opioid testing is more complex than screening for alcohol or illicit substances. Employees may test positive due to legitimate prescriptions, and test results alone do not indicate addiction. Review your policy to ensure it complies with all state and federal laws and treats employees fairly.
Train supervisors to recognize signs of impairment.
Supervisors and managers should understand the behavioral and physical indicators that may suggest impairment, such as drowsiness, impaired judgment, shallow breathing, extreme mood swings, false confidence, or mental fogginess. While these signs vary widely among individuals, supervisor training improves early detection and safety.
Offer access to help and treatment.
Encourage employees to seek support by making resources easy to access. Many employer-sponsored health insurance plans already include benefits such as substance use treatment programs, chronic pain specialists, behavioral health services, and alternative medical treatments. Promoting these resources—and supporting employees who self-disclose—can save lives.
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Dealing with opioid use in the workplace can be a difficult, not to mention, sensitive situation. You don’t have to go through something like this alone. And you certainly want to comply with laws and regulations surrounding these types of matters where employees are concerned. We are here to offer guidance and help. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation.
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