Every year, U.S. employers lose more than $81 billion to lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and workplace accidents linked to substance misuse, according to the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. Behind those numbers are real people, real safety risks, and real costs to businesses. As we observe Substance Abuse Prevention Month this October, it is an important time for Alaska employers to reexamine their policies and strengthen prevention strategies that protect both their teams and their operations.
At MedPhysicals Plus, we see firsthand how substance misuse can quietly affect workplaces, from absenteeism and compliance issues to safety incidents that could have been prevented with early action. Addressing the problem before it escalates is not just a matter of compliance, it is a matter of workplace safety and economic responsibility.
How Substance Misuse Impacts the Workplace
Workers with substance use disorders miss nearly 50% more workdays than their peers and are more likely to file workers’ compensation claims, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Impaired performance can lead to safety incidents, costly turnover, and reputational harm. When the work involves driving, operating machinery, or making split-second decisions, the risks multiply quickly.
Substance misuse also drives up healthcare costs. Beyond direct treatment expenses, employers shoulder indirect losses through overtime pay, lower morale, and reduced team efficiency. Even a single incident related to impairment can result in serious financial and legal consequences.
Safety-Sensitive Roles Demand Higher Standards
In industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), substance misuse is not only a safety concern but also a compliance issue. DOT rules under 49 CFR Part 40 require strict drug and alcohol testing to ensure that employees in safety-sensitive positions remain fit for duty. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to fines, license suspensions, and even loss of operating authority.
Beyond regulations, the human cost is significant. A single moment of impairment can endanger coworkers, clients, and the public. Prevention must therefore be proactive, not reactive. Employers cannot afford to wait for a violation or accident to act.
Prevention Is Good Business
Creating a drug-free workplace begins with clear policies, consistent testing, and employee education. Routine pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion drug testing are essential for maintaining a safe environment. Prevention also means training supervisors to recognize signs of misuse, encouraging confidential reporting, and offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that connect employees to help before problems grow worse.
Employers that invest in prevention see measurable results: lower absenteeism, fewer accidents, improved morale, and higher productivity. Prevention strengthens a culture of safety, accountability, and wellness, protecting both people and profitability.
MedPhysicals Plus: Your Partner in Prevention and Compliance
As part of Substance Abuse Prevention Month, now is the ideal time for Alaska employers to evaluate their testing programs and reinforce their commitment to safety. At MedPhysicals Plus, we help businesses stay compliant and proactive in addressing workplace substance misuse. Our comprehensive services include DOT and non-DOT drug and alcohol testing, Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluations, and random testing program management aligned with federal and state requirements.
Whether you manage a small business or a multi-site operation, our team provides the expertise and reliability you need to maintain a safe, compliant, and substance-free workplace. MedPhysicals Plus proudly serves businesses and individuals across Alaska, with convenient locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, and Soldotna. To learn more or schedule your workplace testing program, contact MedPhysicals Plus at (907) 561-7587 or email admin@medphysicalsplus.com.