What would you have done if you learned that one of your squad members was on drugs? What about a co-worker? You probably never thought that would happen in your squad or work place. But, consider the results of the latest survey from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

The current rate of drug use in the workplace is 8.2 percent or one in 12 people, reports the HHS. Eight percent means. The next time you’re sitting around the conference table with several co-workers, look around. One of them may abuse drugs?

You may be saying, “Okay, but my workplace does drug testing.” In fact, nearly half of all full-time workers surveyed report that their employers conduct drug testing. But, there are still employees who choose to use drugs.

What’s more, age factors into on-the-job drug use. The HHS study found that 19 percent of respondents, 18- to 25-years-old, use illegal drugs. The rate decreases as age categories get higher, finally settling at a low of 2.6 percent for 50- to 64-year-olds. Gender also plays a role; 66 percent of male respondents report at-work drug use.

In short, we need to be aware of drug use in the workplace. I wasn’t aware of drug use active duty, and I still have a hard time with it because I don’t hang around people who do illegal drugs. But, clearly, I interact with some on the job.

Familiarize yourself with your organization’s Drug and Alcohol policy. You might want to dig deeper and find out if the policy is enforced. Beyond these steps, vigilance is your best defense. In the military, when someone’s performance began to degrade, we didn’t automatically think, “Drugs!” And I don’t believe you need to jump immediately to that conclusion in the civilian sector. But, you must consider the statistics as you think about a workplace and how employees perform.

There are plenty of moral, legal, health, and safety-related reasons to be drug-free, as well. From what I’ve read, there isn’t a lot to be gained by abusing drugs. When co-workers choose to use, they put you and your co-workers at physical and financial risk. If you should encounter that one-in-twelve individual, act in accordance with company policy and your conscience. Every situation is different and must be considered thoughtfully. Just stay aware. And stay inspired.

Wally Adamchik is the President of FireStarter Speaking and Consulting, a national leadership consulting firm based in Raleigh, NC. You can visit the website at www.beafirestarter.com or e-mail him at wally@beafirestarter.com. His new book is No Yelling (www.noyelling.net) is available online.