A government survey released yesterday (July 16, 2007) found that 1 in 12 U.S. workers have used illicit drugs (mostly marijuana) within the past month. About two-thirds of the workers that participated in the study were men. The highest rate was among restaurant workers, with 17.4 percent, and construction workers, 15.1 percent; the lowest was 4 percent of teachers and social service workers. Federal officials said the newest survey is a snapshot and was not designed to show whether illicit drug usage in the workplace is a growing problem or a lessening one. The current usage rate is 8.2 percent. Two previous government surveys reflected a usage rate of 7.6 percent in 1994 and 7.7 percent in 1997, but those studies involved a much smaller sample of interviews. You can read more at http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/07/16/workers.drug.use.ap/index.html

With these findings, your organization should review its policies on substance abuse and alcoholic beverages guidelines. And, if needed, provide employees guidelines concerning the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs; and offer preventive education about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, and attention to the needs of those who may require help with problems related to substance abuse through support programs, seminars, and services. You may also want to research coverage for treatment of drug and alcohol addiction available to employees enrolled in company-sponsored health plans.