NCJ Number
106936
Journal
Nova Law Review Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1987) Pages: 815-823
Date Published
1987
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article considers whether there is a serious drug problem in the workplace, whether urine tests can achieve what they promise, and the alternatives to urine testing.
Abstract
Although the 'war on drugs' has focused on illegal drugs, the major drug problem in the workplace involves legal drugs; alcohol, prescribed medicines, and over-the-counter drugs. A 1979 study (Myrick and Basen) of drug use in industry concluded that 15-20 percent of employees were regular drug users, primarily of marijuana, but supervisors reported that evidence of impaired job performance was negligible. Urine tests are highly inaccurate and do not reveal functional impairment. Such testing is costly and may make the drug problem worse. The most important factor in addressing drug-impaired job performance is the training of supervisors to recognize such impairment. A relationship of trust between supervisor and employee can result in employees' confiding in their manager about a drug abuse problem. Employers should offer employee assistance programs that include treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. 24 footnotes.