Trends in Drug Use: What is the Drug Testing Index Telling Us?
Whether you're an employer, safety manager, or just curious about how drug trends are shifting in 2023, this blog has the insights you need. We'll break down the latest data from the Drug Testing Index, offering a clear view of where drug use is increasing, which substances are most common, and how different testing methods can detect positive results. Keep reading to learn what these trends could mean for your business, and how you can make better decisions for a more productive workplace.
Positivity Rates by Testing Reason
The 2023 Drug Testing Index shows differences in drug testing positivity rates between the general workforce and safety-sensitive jobs, including different testing reasons like follow-up, for-cause, and random testing.
For the general workforce, for-cause testing—often triggered by signs of impairment or performance issues—shows significantly higher positivity rates than random or pre-employment testing. This suggests that drug use is more likely to be detected when there is a specific reason to investigate. In safety-sensitive jobs, positivity rates were the highest for for-cause and return-to-duty drug testing.
While both sectors aim to reduce risks, the focus and frequency of testing types can vary widely based on job responsibilities and safety concerns.
Positivity Rates by Drug Category
Looking at positivity rates by drug category gives us a clearer picture of how drug use patterns are shifting. One finding from the 2023 Drug Testing Index is the rising positivity rates for marijuana.
Marijuana continues to be one of the most commonly detected substances in drug tests. The rise in marijuana positivity rates can be linked to the increasing legalization of cannabis across states. However, despite its legal status in some states, marijuana's presence in the workforce raises concerns about its potential impact on job performance and safety.
Positivity Rates by Testing Category
The Drug Testing Index data shows that positivity rates also vary by the type of drug test administered. Among the different testing categories, urine testing remains the most common method as it is easy to administer and quicker than hair drug testing.
- Urine Testing: Urine drug tests are more affordable but still very effective. They can detect recent drug use and identify nearly any substance.
- Hair Testing: While hair testing is less common, it offers a longer detection window and provides insights into historical drug use.
These were some of the most commonly discovered drugs based on the type of drug test used.
Post-Accident vs. Pre-Employment Positivity Rates
The data indicate a significant difference between post-accident and pre-employment positivity rates. The post-accident positivity rate is much higher than the pre-employment rate. The higher rate following workplace accidents suggests a correlation between drug use and the likelihood of incidents occurring, which could indicate that using drugs while on a job can cause unsafe behaviors and affect the safety of other employers or customers.
While pre-employment drug testing generally shows lower positivity rates, conducting thorough screenings during the hiring process can help minimize the risk of hiring individuals who may contribute to drug-related incidents down the line. These numbers also show us the importance of regular drug testing, especially in safety-sensitive positions.
Health Street as Your Trusted Drug Testing Partner
Looking for a reliable partner to help maintain a drug-free workplace? Health Street offers comprehensive drug testing solutions across thousands of clinics nationwide. We use only the best technicians and SAMHSA-certified laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable results. Whether you need pre-employment, random, or post-accident testing, we've got you covered.
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