Substance use in the workplace is a complex issue, one that goes far beyond testing or identifying who used what and when. At its core, it is about safety and accountability, and a workplace culture that supports both.

Whether we like it or not, substance use will always exist in some form. The real question is: How do we manage it in a way that keeps people safe while respecting their privacy and supporting their potential for recovery?

Safety Risk Is a Shared Responsibility

In every workplace I consult with, the message is the same: managing safety risk isn’t just an employer’s responsibility, it’s everyone’s.

When substance use concerns are ignored, avoided, or misjudged, the consequences can be serious. Injuries. Lost time. Reputational damage. Legal liability. But the outcome is far more positive when those concerns are handled appropriately with clarity, consistency, and care.

One of the best ways to reduce risk is to encourage voluntary disclosure. When employees feel safe talking about substance use, whether they’re struggling, curious, or simply seeking support, they’re far more likely to act responsibly. Disclosure about use only happens when the workplace culture is built around safety, not punishment.

Fair, Consistent, and Inclusive Policies Matter

Two words I emphasize with every client: consistency and fairness.

Effective drug and alcohol policies are about more than rules and consequences. They’re about:

• Balancing the employer’s responsibility for due diligence with the employee’s right to privacy and support.
  
• Providing clear expectations and follow-through.
  
• Offering a human-centred approach that allows people to step forward and ask for help when they need it and are ready to accept it.
  

Yes, there absolutely must be accountability. But there also must be opportunities for treatment, recovery, and return to work.

When You Invest in People, They Invest Back

I can say with certainty: when an employee is given the chance to get help, and they succeed in doing so, they become one of your most loyal team members. They return to work committed, focused, and grateful.

They also often become your strongest internal advocates for your drug and alcohol program. These are the people who will support others, reinforce the culture, and help shift attitudes from punitive to supportive because they’ve lived it.

When you manage substance use well, you don’t just protect the workplace, you build something stronger.

Substance use policies that are rooted in safety, education, and compassion are far more effective than those focused on “catching” and “punishing”. When employees are treated with dignity and respect, you build a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace.