An Updated Examination of the Effects of Illegal Drug Use in the Workplace

Abstract

Illegal drug use in the workplace is a pervasive and serious problem that affects the corporate world, particularly with respect to the impairment of employee communication in their occupational settings. Because of the diversity of illegal drugs that are available (e.g., stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens) to general employees in the workforce, various effects can occur on the users that can affect their communication styles and patterns. The purpose of this article is to compile, examine, and display the most recent literature and statistical data on illegal drug use in the workplace and its effects on human communication and the behavioral effects of illegal drug use on employees. This issue has received substantial attention over the past generations. More specifically, this area of inquiry has been a hot, scholarly topic in business and communication studies for the past few decades.