Substance abuse is by no means a new problem. Throughout history, there have been various movements to address substance abuse. Substance abuse has become an important workplace issue. It is estimated that 75% of alcoholics are employed. Substance abuse is harmful both to the worker and the employer. It is therefore detrimental to national and international competitiveness.

Alcohol breathalyzer is mostly used to test for alcohol. Alcohol detection drug testing is mostly done with alcohol testing device and some other drug test strips to test for other drugs or it is tested individually with just alcohol breath test equipment. Alcohol in urine testing is pretty rare.

Alcohol abuse affects the efficiency of a worker to perform his job. It not only affects the overall performance, but also leads to higher rates of absenteeism, illness, accidents, and mortality, and these are all cost related. It is therefore an important issue of health and safety. Studies have shows that absenteeism is three times higher in alcohol users than the other employees. 20 to 25% of accidents at work are due to intoxicated people injuring themselves as well as the other innocent victims.

The following are the signs that indicate a person has an alcohol-related problem:

• Alcohol smell.
• Unsteady walk.
• Sleeping while on job.
• Excess use of mouth wash or mints.
• Red and blood shot eyes.
• Lateness
• Careless work.
• Antagonistic relationship with co-workers.
• Argumentative.
• Short tempered.

Alcoholics work at minimal capacity thereby increasing the workload of co-workers, lower productivity, low product quality, and can even defile a company’s image. The absenteeism and health care demands raise the cost of the company. They reduce the competitiveness weakening the employer and threatening everyone’s job.

Do not worry about menacing an alcoholic’s job.