Excessive alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on both the nervous system and the body, with a negative impact on one’s mental and physical health. After being consumed, alcohol enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it acts as a central nervous system depressant and inhibits the function of messengers called neurotransmitters. As a result, the effects of alcohol can be disruptive to one’s mood, memory, judgment, and motor coordination.
In addition, the physiological effects of alcohol also include slower reaction times, impaired decision-making, and loss of control over one’s emotions. When consumed excessively, alcohol can also negatively impact the health and function of organs, including the liver, heart, and digestive system. Importantly, medical research studies have also linked alcohol consumption to increased risk of developing cancer.
According to data released by the federal government, more than half of Canadian adults exceed the new low-risk drinking guidelines, which recommend consuming no more than two standard alcoholic drinks per week. What’s more, 77% of adults who answered the survey also perceived consuming more than two drinks weekly as posing “little to no risk,” which demonstrates a potential gap in awareness regarding alcohol-related harms among Canadians.
Research carried out by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) has shown that substance abuse, including alcohol, significantly impacts the Canadian workforce, creating both financial losses and workplace challenges. For instance, in 2020, substance abuse cost Canadian employers an estimated $22.4 billion in lost productivity, with alcohol abuse being responsible for approximately 40% of this total. Specifically, the financial losses stem from factors such as absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased job performance due to alcohol abuse.
Despite the significant negative impact of alcohol on the workforce in Canada, many workplaces lack comprehensive substance use policies. For instance, one review carried out by CCSA determined that few employers featured treatment, support, and return-to-work programs, while disciplinary measures are typically more common.
Addressing alcohol and substance abuse issues in the workplace is essential for maintaining employees’ productivity, as well as ensuring safety, and promoting the overall health of employees. Rehabilitation and treatment programs are essential for helping individuals overcome drug and alcohol dependence by providing the right medical support and coping strategies. Typically, substance abuse treatment programs focus on the root causes of addiction, help to support long-term recovery, and decrease the risk of relapse.
Alcohol and drug testing also play an essential role in both recovery programs and workplace environments by helping to promote accountability and safety. In the context of addiction treatment programs, regular drug and alcohol testing helps to monitor progress, as well as to prevent relapse. In addition, in the workplace setting, testing is essential for creating a safe and productive environment for employees, particularly in safety-sensitive industries where impairment can result in serious accidents or injuries. Notably, alcohol and drug testing also help identify employees who may be struggling with substance use to help them access appropriate treatment programs and appropriate support.
