Facts and Statistics

FOR Employers
from Expertox

Many employers require drug testing as part of their pre-employment assessment process, and may include periodic random drug testing and for-cause and post-accident drug and alcohol testing as part of their company’s workplace substance abuse program. Nearly 75% of all adult illicit drug users are employed, as are most binge and heavy alcohol users¹ and problems related to alcohol and drug abuse cost American businesses roughly $81 billion in lost productivity yearly².

¹ National Institute of Health, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, www.drugabuse.gov.

² Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Dep t of Health and Human Services.

Government studies reveal that 1 out of every 6 workers has a problem and show that drug abusers on average:

• Cost employers $15,000 annually per employee
• Cost companies 300% more in medical costs and benefits
• Are absent up to 20 times more often
• Are 1/3 less productive
• Admitted selling drugs to co-workers
• Admitted stealing from employers

Most states offer a reduction in worker's compensation rates for employers who adhere to a Drug-Free Workplace Policy. The benefits of a Drug-Free Workplace program include:

• Increased productivity
• Increased employee morale
• Safer work environment
• Reduction in Worker’s Compensation rates
• Reduction in health care rates
• Reduced turnover and absenteeism

FOR SCHOOLS AND PARENTS
from Expertox

• 10.9% of 8th graders, 23.9% of 10th graders and 32.4% of 12th graders use marijuana.
• 15.4% of 12th graders have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Vicodin continues to be abused at high levels.
• 2.7% of 8th graders, 7.2% of 10th graders and 9.6% of 12th graders had abused Vicodin.
• 1.8% of 8th graders, 3.9% of 10th graders and 5.2% of 12th graders had abused OxyContin for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

From peer pressure to looking for a way to deal with family and life challenges, Drug and alcohol use by teens is a growing problem. From looking for a way to cope with family and life challenges to every day peer pressure—teens are making bad choices and are suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.

The short list of the signs and symptoms of drug/alcohol use includes:

• Behavioral issues
  • Changes in relationships with family members or friends
  • Mood changes or emotional instability
  • Withdrawal or depression; uncommunicative mood
  • Periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of sleeping
• Absenteeism or loss of interest in school or extracurricular activities
• Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or home
• Disappearance of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as alcohol or money
• Personal appearance, habits or action changes
  • Poor hygiene and personal care
  • Track marks on arms or legs
  • Frequently breaking curfew
  • Using over-the-counter eye reddening washes and/or breath mints and gum more frequently