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October 28 2013

National Drug Abuse Survey: Workplace Abuse Persists, Marijuana, Heroin Use Gain

"The Government 's results from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings and Detailed Tables, finds that 8.9% of full-time employees and 12.5% of part-time employees, 18 years of age and older, are current illicit drug users, while 18.1% of unemployed adults in that age group are current illicit drug users. The Survey, published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services contains an ominous reminder for employers: ""�most illicit drug users are employed. Of the 21.5 million current illicit drug users aged 18 or older in 2012, 14.6 million (67.9%) were employed either full or part-time."" The Survey suggests the need for continued vigilance against workplace substance abuse. The only sure way of detecting abuse and addressing it is by drug and alcohol testing using a lawful, common-sense policy. While the popularity of certain illicit drugs may ebb and flow, drug and alcohol abuse continue to pose hazards to workplace safety and impede efficient operations. For many, only the threat of loss of employment may propel them to enter a program that can end a pattern of abuse and dependence."