Workforce Drug Tests Show Highest Drug Use in Over a Decade

A recent report released by Quest Diagnostics shows that the number of employees using illicit drugs has increased since last year, as indicated by a 5% jump in positive drug tests. The biggest increases by drug included cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine.

One potentially positive note is that the number of positive tests for heroin and other opiates appears to have leveled off. Hopefully this means that people are finally starting to heed the warnings and stay away from these drugs and that the use begins to sharply decline.

These types of reports are important tracking tools regarding drug use and how drug use is effecting businesses and workplaces throughout the country. Oftentimes employers will require their employees to submit to a drug test upon starting at their position and then may also request random drug tests, or drug tests in the event of a workplace accident. These tests are often facilitated by Quest Diagnostics, which also maintains a record of the results for tracking trends and data analysis.

“This year’s findings are remarkable because they show increased rates of drug positivity for the most common illicit drugs across virtually all drug test specimen types and in all testing populations” said Barry Sample, senior director of science and technology at Quest Diagnostics Employer Solutions.

The recap of positive and negative drug tests does more than just show that drug use is increasing among America’s workforce. It also highlights the need for further education regarding drug use and how it can affect one’s career. Substance abuse in the workplace accounts for billions of dollars in costs due to accidents, poor performance and absence.

Each employer has their own policies regarding failed drug tests, but it is common for employees that have failed drug tests to be let go from their positions. Many larger companies work with their employees to help them find treatment through their human resources department or Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This helps to build loyalty and long-term employment as well as helps improve the overall health of society.

Blake Nichols

Blake Nichols is the Director of Operations at Desert Cove Recovery. Blake battled his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and was given the gift of recovery at the age of 23. Since 2008, Blake has dedicated his life and career to the field of addiction. He has experience in all aspects of addiction treatment including direct care, admissions, marketing, and administration.

Blake feels that the greatest reward of working in the recovery field is being part of the transformation that a person goes through from the time they arrive and begin treatment, through the hard work and the Miracle of recovery, and ultimately the change into a confident and capable person ready to carry the message of recovery.

“My career has focused on serving others. I have accepted ownership of my responsibilities as that is the key to working at the highest level of professionalism. I have worked to be positive and offer solution-based suggestions in my work and personal life.”