Substance Use on the Clock: Nearly 9% of Young Employees Admit to Drinking or Drug Use at Work
You’re constantly juggling priorities for your employees by keeping operations running smoothly, retaining good employees, and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. But there’s one issue that may be happening right under your nose and impacting all three: substance use at work.
A recent national study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that nearly 9% of U.S. workers under the age of 30 have used alcohol or drugs while on the job.1 That includes cannabis, alcohol, and other substances like prescription painkillers or opioids. Led by researchers at The Ohio State University, the study sheds light on a growing workplace concern—especially for smaller businesses where one impaired worker can have an outsized impact on safety, morale, and operations.
The findings are eye-opening: among the younger employees surveyed, 8.9% reported using substances at work in the past year.1 Of those, more than 60% said they had used cannabis, and many admitted to using substances not just during breaks but actively while working.1 The study also noted that employees who reported low job satisfaction or felt their positions were insecure were more likely to use alcohol or drugs on the job.1
This matters for small business owners because the stakes are high and resources are limited. Unlike large corporations that often have full HR departments and safety personnel, small businesses may not have the infrastructure to easily address substance use issues. But ignoring the problem isn’t an option—on-the-job substance use can increase the risk of accidents, reduce productivity, damage team morale, and create liability issues for employers.
So, what can you do? Start by creating a workplace culture that supports open communication. Make sure employees feel safe discussing mental health or personal challenges without fear of judgment. This can go a long way in identifying problems before they escalate.
Next, review or create a clear, written drug-free workplace policy. We here at the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance (NDWA) can help with this! Outline expectations, define consequences, and, just as importantly, include supportive resources such as access to counseling or employee assistance programs. Training is another key component – NDWA can also help with DOT-compliant training for your supervisors! Supervisors and staff should know how to recognize the warning signs of impairment and respond appropriately and legally.
Some employers may also consider implementing random or reasonable suspicion drug testing. The goal isn’t to “catch” anyone, but to deter risky behavior and reinforce your commitment to workplace safety. Finally, focus on boosting employee satisfaction and connectedness. Employees who feel valued and secure in their roles are less likely to engage in harmful behavior, including using substances at work.
Substance use on the job isn’t just a “big company problem.” This study makes it clear that it's a real issue across all types and sizes of businesses. By being proactive, you can protect your employees, your customers, and the business you’ve worked hard to build.
Citations:
- Oh, S., Park, D., & Al‐Hashemi, S. (2025). Substance use right before or during work among the young US workers: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 Cohort. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23737
Sources:
The Ohio State University. (2025, July 8). 9% of young US employees use alcohol, drugs at work, study finds. 9% Of Young US Employees Use Alcohol, Drugs at Work, Study Finds. https://news.osu.edu/9-of-young-us-employees-use-alcohol-drugs-at-work-study-finds/