Drug Testing in the Workplace

One of the characteristic signs of a substance misuse problem is the deterioration of workplace performance. The cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairment that results from drug or alcohol use can affect productivity, morale, and even the safety of other co-workers. The cost of addiction in the workforce is usually measured financially, but it can also refer to more subjective losses, which can change the entire nature of an office.

Rates of alcohol and drug use are different across industries and occupations, affecting blue-collar, middle-class, and white-collar professions alike. According to the National Safety Council, jobs in construction, mining, and some service industries have higher rates of alcohol and substance use disorders, medical conditions characterized by an uncontrollable use of alcohol or other substances despite the negative consequences.  On the other hand, educators, healthcare professionals, and individuals who work in protective services exhibit the lowest rates of substance use disorders.  Additionally, many individuals with safety-sensitive jobs—such as truck drivers and air traffic controllers—have high rates of substance use disorders.  Depending on the profession, factors like loneliness, work stressors, long hours, and pain put some individuals at a greater risk for drug and alcohol misuse.

Trainer:

Cami Clevenger 

Drug Information Systems Inc

2625 Broadway Street 

Helena MT 59601

www.druginfosystems.net