Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Positive workplace drug tests across the nation were at their highest in a decade driven by drugs like pot, ADHD medicine, and heroin, according to drug-testing laboratory Quest Diagnostics (Source: “Positive Workplace Drug Tests at Highest in a Decade,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, September 16, 2016).
Quest performed more than 9.5 million workforce drug tests last year across the country and reports that 4% of those came back positive for drug use, an increase from 3.9% in 2014.
Last year (2015) was the third year positive tests increased after a steady decline from 13.6% in 1988 to 3.5% in 2012. In three years, the percentage has nearly crept back to the 2005 rate of 4.1%. A similar increase has been observed by Quest in other types of drug tests, including oral fluid, blood, and hair.
Marijuana continues to be the most prevalent drug detected in all types of tests, followed by illicit use of amphetamines, such as Ritalin and Adderal prescribed for attention deficit disorder, and heroin. Since 2011, marijuana positivity in urine drug tests has increased 26% while amphetamines increased 44% and heroin 146%. Positive heroin results from urine tests for safety-sensitive employees, like truck drivers, has risen 84% since 2011.