DRUG ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS

What can a private investigator do? Whether at home, around the family or in the workplace substance abuse can cause a multitude of problems. The assistance of hiring a private investigator can identify the how, when, where and with whom the substance abuse is occurring.

However, in the home and with the family supervision of substance abuse maybe more difficult to detect then in a workplace environment. The addict can disguise the abuse with more excuses of their daily activities. Whether the activities are with themselves or others. it is very important to understand that you should never allow the addict to be in a supervisory role with any minors at anytime.

As for in the workplace, drug abuse by employees cause many expensive problems for business and industry ranging from lost productivity, injuries, and an increase in health insurance claims. The loss to companies in the United States due to drug related abuse by employees totals $100 billion a year, according to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

These staggering numbers do not include the cost of diverting company resources, that could be used for other purposes, toward addressing substance abuse issues. Nor does it include the “pain and suffering” aspects, which cannot be measured in economic terms.

Some Additional Problems That Can Be Caused in the Workplace

In addition to deaths and accidents, absenteeism and loss of production, other problems that alcohol and drug abuse can cause on the job include:

  • Tardiness/sleeping on the job.
  • Withdrawal affecting job performance.
  • Poor decision making.
  • Loss of efficiency.
  • Theft
  • Lower morale of co-workers.
  • Increased likelihood of having trouble with co-workers/supervisors or tasks.
  • Preoccupation with obtaining and using substances while at work, interfering with attention and concentration.
  • Illegal activities at work including selling illicit drugs to other employees.
  • Higher turnover
  • Training of new employees.
  • Disciplinary procedures

However, costs to businesses can be measured at the expense of absenteeism, injuries, health insurance claims, loss of productivity, employee morale, theft, and fatalities.

Undercover investigations is one of the best ways in detecting if these types of substance abuses are occurring in your workplace.

Employers often use independent third-party investigation firms to conduct the investigation.  This is an unbiased approach to the suspected substance abuse amongst employees in the workplace. If the undercover investigator discovers the alleged problem exists, they document the misconduct with detailed reports.  This allows the employer to take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action and to defend themselves against most legal claims should any arise.

However, if the investigation is supervised by your legal counsel, under the direction and umbrella of the attorney-client privilege, the findings of the investigation can usually be sheltered from unwanted third-party scrutiny. At all times, the client and attorney are in charge of the length and breadth of the investigation, and the communication between them and the investigators should be frequent.

Most employers should have a “zero tolerance” for drugs and alcohol abuse in the workplace.  Employers should be aware however that the employer’s substance abuse policy must be always updated to reflect current guidelines in this area as it pertains to employment law.

Contact us today at 212-949-6530 or 516-248-7111, if you suspect a family or employee member of this problem. We offer a FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION BY TELEPHONE. Our email address is info@JLAssoc.com

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