New Government (SAMHSA) Study Shows Value of Workplace Drug Testing

2007 " Worker Substance Use and Workplace Policies and Programs "
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA)
United States Department of Health and Human Services


If your workforce includes employees between the ages of 18 and 34 years old, and you do not have a comprehensive drug free workplace program, there is a good chance that you have substance abusers on the payroll.

A new federal study indicates that 19% of workers in that age group are current (in the previous 30 days) illicit drug users ...

... compared with 10.3% of those between 26 and 34,

... and, 7% of those between 35 and 49,

... and 2.6% of workers between 50 and 64.


The report, using data collected during 2002, 2003, and 2004, makes it possible to anticipate substance abuse issues within a variety of demographic categories.
If your company hires and has existing employees of these demographics, then you should conduct drug testing, especially random drug testing.

Highest Substance Abuse Industries / Occupations:
Percent of Full-Time Workers Currently Abusing Drug (ages 18-64)
18% "Food Services and Drinking Places"
16% "Performing Arts, Spectator, and Related Industries"
15% "General Merchandise Stores"
14% "Construction"
14% "Landscaping"


Importanc of Drug-Free Workplace Programs
Unfortunately, however, few relatively few companies drug test:
The study contains information about drug-free workplace program trends. While approximately 44% of workers report availability of drug an alcohol educational information, 58% of employers offer an employee assistance programs, and 79% indicate of employers have a written drug-free workplace policy, less than half ( 42.9% ) of full-time workers reported that their employers conduct pre-employment testing, and only 29.6% reported ANY form of random testing programs where they work.