Your policy is established and your supervisors are trained.  Now your task is to spread the message of a DrugFree Culture throughout your organization.  This means educating current and new employees, continuously supporting the program, and reinforcing your commitment to being DrugFree.  Here are some suggestion for educating your employees.

 

Your Employee Education and Awareness Program should

Explain your substance abuse policy and the consequences of using drugs and alcohol both on and off the job

Tell your employees about the services available via the community or Employee Assistance Program to help fight substance abuse issues

Inform employees about the affects of drugs and alcohol on company productivity, product quality, absenteeism, health care costs, or accident rates 

Express confidentiality and accuracy of drug testing procedures and the consequences for testing positive

Your program should be customized to your companys circumstances, employees, and needs.   Consider incorporating some of the following topics to further customize your program.

 

Topics for Education Programs   

• Health effects of alcohol and drug use 
• How drugs are affecting the community 
• Illegal drugs: how they look, effects, and symptoms from overdoes or withdrawal 
• Spillover effects from parents to their kids (parents that use have kids that use) 
• How to help kids avoid substance abuse 
• How to recognize the signs of substance abuse in both kids and coworkers 
• Specifics of company policy and why it is needed

More Tips

 

Check our resources for assistance in setting up your own program.