Drug and alcohol use within the workplace is a serious issue that employers around the world are beginning to tackle. To prevent and reduce the risk of employee substance abuse, many companies have started to implement testing protocols to identify employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Testing for alcohol and drugs is becoming increasingly popular and businesses are turning to it more and more to protect their operations and maintain a safe, productive working environment.

In the past, employers had to rely solely on self-report surveys or random checks to assess the prevalence of drugs and alcohol in the workplace. While these methods can be effective, they are also prone to cheating and are not foolproof solutions. With the rise of modern drug testing technology and processes, employers are now able to quickly, accurately and discreetly detect any potential drug or alcohol use in their employees.

Employers may choose to conduct testing for a number of reasons. One of the most obvious is to ensure a drug and alcohol-free working environment, thus protecting both the employees and the company. Seeing as substance abuse can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism and higher insurance costs, companies that have drug and alcohol testing in place can save money in the long run. Additionally, studies have shown that companies with substance abuse testing protocols are usually perceived as motivated and professional, which can add to their positive reputation and appeal to potential hires.

Most states in the US now allow employers to conduct pre-employment drug tests, drug tests for cause (for employees who are suspected of using substances), and drug tests as part of the post-accident investigation process. Generally, these tests involve screening for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates. Alcohol tests can involve breathalyzers, often used to determine an employee’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Many companies have additional testing requirements in place to ensure a safe drug-free culture throughout the workplace. For instance, certain organizations may opt for random drug and alcohol tests of their employees, which helps to identify hidden drug users and send a clear zero-tolerance message to all employees. Depending on the type of job, some firms may require employees to take a drug test right before their shift or at the end of the workday.

Finally, businesses may also choose to outsource these testing services to third-party companies that specialize in employee drug testing and alcohol testing. This can be a valuable asset to many organizations, especially those in the safety-critical industries such as aviation and transportation, as it allows experienced and qualified teams to properly assess the risk of drug and alcohol use in the workplace.

Overall, the importance of testing for alcohol and drugs in the workplace cannot be overstated. While this practice may pose an inconvenience to some businesses, employers should consider it a necessary step in order to ensure a safe and productive working environment. By implementing effective substance abuse policies, employers can make sure that their employees and business operations remain protected.

It’s nothing new for some people to misuse substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs or abuse prescription drugs. Nonetheless, there has been an increasing acceptance that substance abuse and substance use can affect the workplace and vice versa. There are many aspects of the workplace that require alertness, accuracy, and quick reactions.

Impaired performance of these skills can lead to errors and hinder efficiency and accuracy.

There are several ways problematic substance use can impact the workplace:

• Any impairment of judgment, alertness, perception, motor coordination, or emotional state that also affects someone’s capability to work safely or make safety-sensitive decisions
• Addiction and its after-effects (hangovers, withdrawals) affect job performance.
• Reduced productivity due to absences, illness, or other reasons
• While at work, excessive interest in obtaining and using substances hinders concentration and attention.
• Engaging in illegal activities at work, such as selling illicit drugs,
• Substance-related psychological or stress-related effects on another person are caused by a family member, friend, or coworker.

In addition to often being classified as an addiction or dependency, substance use can be recreational, frequent, or problematic. As a result, people’s lives and their work are affected differently. 

NCADI statistics indicate that alcohol and drug users:

• Have a poorer level of productivity.
• Increase sick days by three times.
• Possess a greater likelihood of injuring themselves or another person.
• The possibility of filing a worker’s compensation claim is five times higher.

Among heavy drinkers and drug users, nine percent missed work due to a hangover, ten percent went to work drunk or high in the past year, and eleven percent missed work recently due to heavy drinking or drug use.

Substance use screening in the workplace is important due to these costly consequences. 

Screening is the process of determining if a patient has a particular condition through applying a simple test. During a primary care visit, it is essential to determine the specific problem. 

For the screening to be valid, these conditions must be fulfilled. They are: 

• The population at large must be affected by the disease.
• It must reduce the quality or duration of life.
• Treatments should be available that reduce mortality and morbidity when given during asymptomatic stages of the disease.
• It should be detectable through a cost-effective screening service earlier than without screening and avoid false positives or false negatives in large numbers.
• It must be diagnosed and treated early enough to delay or halt disease progression.

Screening for substance abuse is intended to identify individuals who suffer from or are at risk of suffering from alcohol or drug abuse. Based on these findings, we identify those patients who need further testing to diagnose their substance abuse disorder and develop plans to treat it.

The benefit of conducting substance abuse screenings at regular intervals in primary care is that you can follow up positive screens at later visits. Clinicians often conduct preliminary assessments, also known as brief assessments, due to their long-standing relationships with patients.

Suppose the clinician has the experience and training required and resources available within the community. In that case, he may devise a treatment plan or refer the patient to a drug specialist for assessment. 

When provider-patient relationships are not as close in larger practices or clinics, clear documentation of screening results can help ensure appropriate follow-up.

It is also important to discuss negative screenings for substance abuse. As clinicians, they enable them to reinforce the wisdom of abstaining from drugs and maintaining safe levels of alcohol consumption by strengthening the knowledge of abstinence.

In addition, the clinician can give patients written information on alcohol or the effects of the drug if she does not have the time (or the expertise) to talk face-to-face.

During the screening, a simple test is applied to determine if the patient is suffering from the condition in question. Screening for substance abuse aims to identify individuals who have or may develop substance abuse problems, and from within that group to identify patients who need further assessment to diagnose their addiction problems and develop treatment plans. 

It is important to go for substance addiction screening and the following points would address that;

• THERAPY FOR BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

Includes behavior therapy – a type of psychotherapy – which can be provided by a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Individual therapy and counseling can be provided to individuals, families, or groups. Therapists and counselors can assist with the following:

· Work with you to develop coping skills for dealing with your drug cravings

· Plan ways to avoid drugs and relapses

· If relapses do occur, suggest how to handle them Discuss issues regarding your job, legal problems, and relationships with family and friends

· Discuss other mental health issues

• SUPPORT GROUPS

Self-help support groups emphasize that addiction is a chronic disease that can lead to relapse. Groups that support self-help can help decrease the sense of shame and isolation that can lead to relapse.

Find out where you can find self-help support groups with the help of your therapist or counselor. You may also find support groups in your community or on the internet.

• DETOXIFICATION

In detoxification, also called withdrawal therapy or detoxification, the goal is to enable you to stop taking the drug as safely and quickly as possible. During withdrawal therapy, it may be safe for some people to undergo outpatient treatment. Hospitalization or a residential treatment center may be required for others.

• REGULAR CHECKUPS

This is very necessary as it helps to ascertain that the patient is improving and to help prevent relapse. During these checkups, the patients receive some important tips from the doctor which also makes their recovery process fast and easy.

The definition of substance abuse may simply be described as isolating oneself from the environment through the harmful use of a substance. In addition to alcohol and drugs (illegal or not), some substances are not drugs at all. 

Below are 20 self-assessment questions to ask a substance addict;

1. What is your average frequency of using drugs that are not prescribed by your doctor or at higher doses than is recommended?
2. Are you ever affected by medical conditions such as seizures, flashbacks, and blackouts that are linked to your drug use (in your opinion)?
3. When you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, did you ever feel guilty or ashamed about your behavior?
4. Are you losing interest in other activities or noticing a decrease in your passion as a result of using or drinking?
5. After drinking a lot or using or not using for a while, have you ever experienced shakes or trembling?
6. Have you ever had a drug or alcohol-induced “blackout” or a time you can’t remember?
7. Despite friends or family suggesting you stop; do you continue to consume alcohol or drugs?
8. When you tried to limit or control your consumption, did you try different drinks or drugs or change your usage patterns?
9. Does anyone ever suggest you quit using drugs or alcohol?
10. In the last year, how often did you abuse prescription drugs prescribed to you by your doctor?
11. What financial, legal, or marital issues have you experienced because of your use?
12. Are you sneaky about your use or do you hide it?
13. Is it uncomfortable for you sometimes if you don’t have access to alcohol or your drug?
14. Are you an alone user or drinker?
15. Is it easier for you now to drink more and use more without feeling it, compared to when you first tried it?
16. Under pressure, anger, or depression, do you drink more than usual?
17. Do you have a job in danger because of drinking or using?
18. What time of day do you want to drink or use?
19. Have you suffered from illnesses such as nausea, vomiting, or paranoia because of your drinking or drug use?
20. How difficult is it to have fun without drugs or alcohol?

Both drugs and alcohol can impair a person’s physical and mental alertness, cause long-term health issues, and lead to unsafe situations.  To avoid any unforeseen problems due to the use of these substances, many employers strive for a drug-free workplace which includes testing current or potential employees.

Alcohol testing involves determining the concentration of alcohol in the test subject’s breath, saliva, or blood. This measure of concentration is then used to determine the alcohol level.

Drug testing refers to any analysis of a biological sample for traces of drugs or their metabolites. Drug tests may be conducted using urine, breath, hair, saliva, sweat, and blood.

The Drug & Alcohol Testing Association of Canada (DATAC) develops standardized courses for those interested to work for the Canadian drug and alcohol testing industry.

Overview of Drug and Alcohol Testing Online Training

Certified Specimen Collector (CSC):

This course covers collection of samples or specimen from people for testing levels of drugs or alcohol in their system. The training includes a range of work such as collecting, processing, and interpreting results from urine, oral fluid, and hair specimens.

It is designed for the Canadian drug testing industry. In addition to sample collection procedures, the course also includes on-site as well as point-of-care testing by means of in-vitro diagnostic devices.

Certified DOT Specimen Collector (CDSC)

Complementing the CSC course, the Certified DOT Specimen Collector is specifically geared to certify students to work in the United States Department of Transportation’s workplace drug testing by complying to the federally regulated procedures in America.

It also provides an understanding on how to perform U.S. regulated drug testing in Canada.

Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) DOT Compliant

This is a course that covers training for both alcohol screening and confirmation testing procedures. It is in line with the requirements of United States Department of Transportation.

Students taking the Breath and Alcohol Technician course will learn the policies, regulations, and procedures about alcohol screening. They will learn all the requirements for screening through breath and oral fluid tests. Practice opportunities include mock proficiency testing through webcam.

Screening Test Technician (STT) DOT Compliant

This course covers is also compliant with the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation.

Candidates will learn different aspects of alcohol screening. The training includes procedures for both breath and oral fluid screening. They will review policies, regulations, and procedures relevant to alcohol screening and will be able to use any approved screening device.

For more information refer to https://datac.ca/

When a person is addicted to alcohol, they could lose control over when and how much they drink. Then, when they are sober and realize, they start to feel bad or keep drinking to avoid guilty feelings.

Some people realize early they might have an addiction problem and take action. There are millions of who became addicts but took charge of their lives, sought treatment, and returned to happy and productive lives. Realizing early on gives a much better chance for a full recovery. Addiction assessment tests and tools are helpful for this.

If you are wondering whether you or a loved on has an issue with substance abuse, or a possible alcohol addiction, you can use one of several addiction assessment tools. These addiction assessments are designed to help you understand if you or your loved one possibly has a substance abuse problem or addiction. However, they are not meant to give a precise diagnosis.

So, after using such a tool, if you suspect possible addiction, you must do a follow up by seeking a professional assessment.

CAGE Questionnaire is an example of such self-assessment tool:

CAGE” is an acronym formed from the italicized words in the questionnaire (cut-annoyed-guilty-eye). The CAGE is a simple screening questionnaire to identify potential problems with alcohol. This test is a globally recognized addiction assessment method to check for possible drug and alcohol dependence.

Each question requires a simple yes or no answer. Here are the 4 questions in the test:

1. Have you felt you ought to Cut down on your drinking or drug use?
2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?
3. Have you felt bad or Guilty about your drinking or drug use?
4. Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)?

If a person answered “yes” to two or more of the 4 questions above, it suggests they may have a problem with substance abuse or addiction.

Out of the 4 questions, number 4 is considered most important. A positive answer to this question is a strong indicator that there might be a dangerous dependence.

After answering the questions, if you or your loved one find that there might be a problem, please seek immediate help.

Treatment can vary from individual or group counseling, to medications, to an outpatient therapy program, to an inpatient stay. No matter how serious the issue might appear, timely treatment can make a difference.

It is always the best option to seek help as soon as possible.

For more information refer to Substance Use Screening & Assessment Instruments Database: http://lib.adai.washington.edu/instruments/

Screening for the presence of Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) is increasingly important in the workplace as the impact of improper alcohol and other recreational drug use can present a serious risk to health, safety and workplace productivity.
Implementing a robust screening program supported by a strong company drug and alcohol policy and workplace education program can add to a positive health, safe and productive workplace culture.
As a statutory requirement in many industries, effective drug and alcohol screening improves workplace safety as the use of alcohol and recreational drugs can present a hazard in the workplace.
Recently, as part of the application process, job applicants may be required to be screened for drug and alcohol use. Depending on state law and company policy, employers may do this prior to making a job offer. Employees may be tested for drugs or alcohol in the workplace, where permitted by state law.
There are a variety of employment-related drug and alcohol tests used by employers. The types of drug test that show the presence of drugs or alcohol include urine drug tests, blood drug tests, breath alcohol tests, saliva drug screens, and sweat drug screens.
There are federal and state laws which provide guidelines on the policies employers can set regarding substance abuse in the workplace. Employers can prohibit the use of drugs and alcohol, test for drug use, and fire employees who are engaging in illegal drug abuse. However, employees with substance abuse issues are protected by federal and state laws regulating discrimination and disabilities.
A urine drug test is the most commonly used test when job applicants or employees are screened for illegal drugs or alcohol use. Urinalysis shows the presence of drug residues that remain in the body after the effects of the drug have worn off. Urine tests may be required as part of pre-employment screening or may be conducted randomly by employers, especially for employees in certain occupation.
A number of workplace studies measuring the accident rates of companies before and after implementing drug testing indicate that drug screening is indeed an important safety factor. Not only do employees want a safe working environment, they also want a workplace that is productive, where every employee is performing his or her job safely and competently. That is, it further ensures the hiring of a more effective work force.
In addition to accident rates falling, absenteeism, tardiness, employee theft and behavioural problems typically decrease with the implementation and maintenance of drug screening. As a matter of fact, Businesses that do not drug test employees can attract candidates who cannot obtain employment elsewhere because of substance abuse.

The necessity for alcohol and drug screening arose from general substance abuse problems within society. Alcohol and drug screening has come to be necessary in a number of different ways, such as determining a person’s ability to hold a job, operate machinery and resist illegal substances. Alcohol and drug screens are used by employers, law enforcement officers and medical professionals, just to name a few.

Drug testing is not a new practice. For decades, people seeking employment in certain regions of North America have been aware that they must first pass a drug screen, and are aware that random drug screens could arise in their future. This practice was put into place for reasons of safety and liability. A person under the influence of a drug in the workplace can pose a danger to themselves and their co-workers, as well as becoming a liability to the organization they work for.

Drug screening is also used by law enforcement officers to determine if someone is illegally incapacitated, in the instance that an officer suspects someone is in possession of an illegal substance, or is over the legal limit of a substance while performing a certain activity. If someone has already been charged with one of these offences, often they will have to submit to repeated drug testing in the future.

Medical professionals will make use of drug screens in order to make a diagnosis on a patient, or to monitor a person’s sobriety, such as in the instance of a rehabilitation facility.
Alcohol screening is generally used for the same things drug screening is used for, but is a more recent practice, generally speaking. This is because alcohol consumption has long been legal in North America, so it is thought of as the lesser of two evils in many ways. For machinery operation, alcohol screening is a long-utilized practice, but for something like employment, it is very recent.

The future of drug and alcohol screening is indefinite, considering how quickly legislation is changing around drug use and screening privileges. In the United States and Canada, the public is becoming more and more vocal about their dislike of invasive drug screens and is pushing for legislation to have it banned. The public is also vocalizing their support of recreational drug use in many areas, so companies will have to decide if they will continue to enforce drug testing even when the law no longer supports their cause. In essence, the public opinion of drug and alcohol screening is evolving, and employers, legislators and the public alike will have to be prepared for the changes that are coming.

The ethics of drug and alcohol screening are very complicated. The appropriateness of any given screen should be measured carefully rather than handled blithely. Drug and alcohol screening became resented by the public because of how policing it felt. It became common for an employee to have a simple accident in the work place, one that any sober person is capable of having, and then immediately be inundated by demands to comply with a drug and alcohol screening. Similarly, anyone whom a police officer doesn’t like the looks of may be subjected to a drug or alcohol screen, despite never showing any signs of being intoxicated. Initially, total power was given to employees and law enforcement officers to instigate a screen based on any whim they had. Presently, people are pushing for the necessity of more verifiable “just cause” in order to initiate a drug or alcohol screen.

The ethics of recreational drug use are also heavily under debate. With a number of states legalizing substances like marijuana for recreational use, it is clear that the public is not as critical of recreational drugs as they were in the past. This presents a conundrum for authority figures who still strongly enforce drug and alcohol screening. Their policies are becoming unpopular, which means that as employers, legislators and law enforcement officers, they too will become unpopular, which is not in their favor. Only time will tell how drug and alcohol screening controversies will resolve.