Drug and alcohol misuse is a major problem in our society and can lead to a cascade of negative consequences. Unfortunately, many businesses and residential properties are not immune to the cycle of drug and alcohol misuse. Property owners and managers must take active steps to identify and address misuse of drugs and alcohol on their property.
The first step in identifying and stopping the misuse of drugs and alcohol on a property is to develop and enforce a clear written policy. The policy should explicitly state what is and is not allowed on the property in terms of drugs and alcohol. This policy should be widely disseminated and in place before any drugs and alcohol are present to ensure that everyone is clear on the expectations. Additionally, staff should be trained to apply the policy in a consistent and fair manner.
Once the policy is in place, property owners and managers should take proactive steps to evaluate the risks of drug and alcohol misuse. This includes conducting a regular audit of the property and inspecting for signs of drug or alcohol use. Common signs of drug and alcohol misuse include a change in flooring, an increase in trash, smells of smoke, the presence of drug paraphernalia, excessive noise, or suspicious people loitering around the property. When performing an audit, property owners should also take note of any potential safety risks associated with drug or alcohol use.
After identifying possible drug or alcohol misuse, property owners and managers should take prompt action. This could include requiring additional background checks for tenants, installing locks, installing surveillance equipment, and restricting access to certain areas. It is also important to hold tenants or their guests accountable for any misuse of drugs or alcohol. Property managers may also find it beneficial to work with local authorities such as the police and drug abuse prevention organizations.
Property owners and managers can also take steps to encourage responsible behavior from tenants and their guests. This could include providing education and training on the effects of drugs and alcohol, offering resources to tenants who may be dealing with addiction, and providing support for those affected by the misuse of drugs and alcohol.
By implementing effective strategies, property owners and managers can identify and stop drug and alcohol misuse on their property. Doing so will create a safe and healthy environment for everyone and will ultimately save time, money, and other resources that would be needed to respond to incidents of drug and alcohol misuse.