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SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN WORKPLACE How prevalent is drug abuse in the workplace? While much attention is focused on prevention and intervention for South Africa's youth, the area of substance abuse in the workplace remains a relatively neglected issue. This is a short-sighted omission on the part of employers and industries; there is an urgent need for building awareness and knowledge to enable employers to recognize and deal with the problem and to provide stronger support for employees. A significant portion of those seeking treatment are professionals in executive positions. (SA National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence) shows that around 40% of persons who seek treatment for addiction are employed full time. How does this translate to what employers are experiencing in the workplace? If one considers that studies done showed that today some 15 to 17% of employees are addicted to alcohol or illegal and prescription drugs. The SA Association for Social Workers in Private Practice (SAASWIPP) estimates that upto20% of the workforce is likely to be drug dependent while a far greater number employees who are families of addict are negatively affected.