Mediterranean

In 2007, an estimated 19.9 million Americans aged 12 years or older used illicit drugs. This is 8% of the total U.S. population. This means 1 out of every 12 households admitted to using illicit drugs. Marijuana was the most popular drug with 14.4 million Americans using it. About 33% admitted to using the drug 20 or more times in a month. Approximately 126.8 million Americans currently drink alcohol. Nearly 23.8% of these admitted to having 5 or more drinks on the same occasion. An estimated 6% or 7.1 million people age 12 years or older admitted to using drugs within 2 hours of drinking alcohol.
(2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health)

Drug abuse is a very real problem in the United States in 2009. In terms of new job applicants, 1 in 20 applicants/employees tested positive for drugs of abuse.
(Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index 2008)

In 2004, the American Management Association conducted surveys of employers and found that 62% of these companies located in the United States required drug testing for their employees. About 10.4 million (or 8.4% of those employed) used illicit drugs.
(Results from the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health)

Not only are illicit drugs being used by U.S. workers but the ramifications to the use of drugs are noteworthy. In surveys conducted with the Institute for a Drug Free Workplace, they found the following:

• 76% of Drug Users are Employed
• 2.5 times more likely to be absent for 8 or more days
• 5x More Likely to File Workers' Comp Claim
• 3.6x More Likely to Injure Themselves or Others at Work

The US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported in 2000 that those most likely to use illicit drugs are employed by businesses employing fewer than 500 workers.

• 44% Work for Small Employers (1-24 employees)
• 43% Work for Medium Employers (25-499)
• 13% Work for Large Employers (>500)

(US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2000)

“Though there is no exact figure, the Department of Labor estimates that substance abuse is costing American businesses billions of dollars each year.”
(Partnership for a Drug Free America)

Drug Testing will provide several benefits to employers such as the following:

• Reduced health benefit expenses
• Reduced insurance premiums
• Decreased absenteeism
• Increased worker productivity.