During the 2016-2017 reporting period, more than 50,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose. Fighting the opioid epidemic has become a major priority of the federal and many state governments. The opioid epidemic is affecting the workplace, too. Employees who work under the influence can pose a safety risk to themselves & others and are less productive. Employers can take steps to both prevent drug use and drug-related problems at their workplace and help employees who are suffering from addiction.