Preventing prescription drug abuse
Prescription drug abuse is a rising epidemic that can significantly affect the workplace. Symptoms of prescription drug abuse can be hard to spot. However, if you suspect an employee is abusing or addicted to a prescription medication, contact human resources or your employee assistance program. Behaviors that may indicate a worker has a prescription drug-related problem include:
- Lack of focus
- Poor decision-making
- Declining work quality
- Poor judgment
- Unusual carelessness
- Frequently missing work
To help prevent drug misuse:
- Always follow your doctor’s recommended dosage.
- Keep medications in their original containers.
- Dispose of leftover or expired drugs safely; go to nsc.org/disposalresources for more information.