Estimating Absenteeism Related to Nonalcohol Substance Use in a US National Cohort of Full-Time Employees

Objective We aimed to estimate absenteeism due to substance use disorder among full-time employees. Methods We used the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health to identify a sample of individuals employed full time. We used a survey-weighted multivariable negative binomial model to evaluate the association between absenteeism and type of substance use disorder controlling for available demographic information. Results In the adjusted model, we estimated that opioid use without a disorder had the highest absenteeism for use, and polysubstance use disorder had the highest absenteeism among use disorders. In a hypothetical firm of 10,000 employees, we estimate $232,000 of lost wage value annually. Conclusions Substance use is associated with absenteeism and presents a compelling argument for employers to promote programs that support treatment for employees and reduce downstream costs associated with absenteeism and turnover.

Automated summary

This study aimed to estimate absenteeism due to substance use disorder among full-time employees. The results showed a positive association between substance use and absenteeism, highlighting the importance for employers to promote treatment programs for employees in order to reduce the costs associated with absenteeism and turnover.