Workplace drug use is rising across Australia—and new research shows that stress and burnout are driving much of the problem.
A recent report covered by Sky News revealed that one in nine employees admitted to working under the influence of illicit drugs in the past 12 months. Even more concerning, drug use was nearly three times higher among employees with high psychological distress (32%) compared to those with low distress (12.7%).
For employers, this isn’t just a personal issue for staff. It’s a critical workplace risk that can undermine safety, productivity, and wellbeing.
The alarming statistics
The scale of the problem is clear:
- 19% of employees reported substance use—higher than the general population at 16%.
- Workers experiencing stress or mental health challenges were far more likely to self-medicate.
- Substance use is costing Australian businesses billions every year, through absenteeism, safety incidents, poor decision-making, and increased mental health claims.
And while some industries—like construction, transport, and hospitality—face higher risks, no workplace is immune.
Why stress and burnout drive substance misuse
People almost never turn up to work intending to make unsafe choices. Instead, chronic stress, burnout, and personal struggles can push employees to seek relief in drugs or alcohol.
Unfortunately, stigma and fear of judgment mean that many workers keep their struggles hidden rather than reaching out for help.
This connection between mental health and substance use isn’t new. As we shared in our earlier article, Why mentally safe workplaces are drug-safe workplaces, when employees feel unsupported, they’re more likely to self-medicate to cope.
The hidden risks for employers
Unchecked, stress-related substance use can have serious consequences:
- Safety incidents and near misses: especially in high-risk roles involving vehicles, machinery, or critical decisions.
- Absenteeism and presenteeism: employees are more likely to call in sick—or show up impaired.
- Legal and reputational damage: if an incident occurs and substance use is a factor.
- Decreased morale and trust: especially if staff feel issues aren’t acknowledged or addressed.
Ultimately, drug use is often a symptom of deeper issues, be it personal or work-related, not just “bad behaviour.”
How to respond: Prevention and early intervention
The most effective approach is proactive—not punitive. Here are a few ways to build a healthier, safer culture:
- ✅ Combine Employee Assistance Programs with wellness check-ins.
Make mental health support accessible and normalised. - ✅ Train managers to recognise signs of burnout and distress.
Equip leaders with tools to have early, supportive conversations. - ✅ Develop clear, supportive policies.
A well-designed drug and alcohol policy outlines expectations and supports—not just penalties.
LEARN MORE: What to include in your drug and alcohol policy (Australia)
- ✅ Use testing as part of a broader culture of care.
Regular testing shouldn’t be about “catching people out.” It should be about keeping everyone safe and providing opportunities to intervene early.
Final thoughts
Stress and burnout don’t just harm individual employees—they impact entire organisations. If you want to reduce substance use in your workplace, start by addressing the root causes.
By combining supportive policies, early intervention, and a culture of care, employers can protect their people, their reputation, and their bottom line.
Ready to build a safer, healthier workplace? Explore our range of workplace drug and alcohol testing kits or reach out to the Andatech team for free expert guidance.
