Do you have a published and distributed policy on drug/alcohol testing?  It should be reflected in your employee handbook and on all job applications.  If it is, you may enforce your policy on testing.

We at HRpartners recommend that employers focus on measuring employee performance vs. assuming cause of behavior.  If, however, work-related behavior in isolation becomes unacceptable you may provide a written and/or verbal warning, identifying the employee's transgression.  Be clear of future expectations and identify the consequences of no change in behavior.

Because these issues often become complicated by employee protection via State and Federal law, the American's with Disabilities Act, and other statutes, we recommend that any specific situation regarding an employee's substance abuse be discussed with us directly and possibly referred to your labor attorney.

For further detail on developing a policy handbook customized for your business or regarding managing an employee's potential substance abuse please call HRpartners toll-free at 1-877-201-7105 or email us at info@HRpartners.us.