Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace

A Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace policy sets clear expectations that employees must not use, possess, distribute, or be impaired by drugs or alcohol while working, and it outlines when testing, accommodations for lawful medications, and consequences may apply, with state-specific rules often affecting cannabis protections, notice requirements, and testing standards.

How to Write a Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy

• Start with why employee health and well-being are important to your organization.
• State who the policy applies to and where it applies.
• Define prohibited conduct related to drugs, alcohol, and workplace impairment.
• Address prescription and over-the-counter medication use that could affect safe job performance.
• Set expectations for alcohol at organization-sponsored events where employees are not working.
• Describe when drug and alcohol testing may be required.
• Summarize testing standards, including confirmation review and confidentiality of results.
• Explain consequences for policy violations, positive tests, and refusal or interference with testing.
• Address cannabis and lawful off-duty use considerations, including safety-sensitive and legal compliance limits.
• Include available support resources for employees seeking help.
• Cover training and education expectations for employees and additional training for supervisors.

For advice on writing a Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.