There is no disputing that drug abuse in the workplace continues to climb to the highest numbers we have ever seen. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reports that over 70% of people who are abusing illicit drugs in the US are employed, and that the most commonly abused illegal drugs in the workplace are alcohol, marijuana and cocaine. Drug abuse in the workplace can be a costly threat to public safety, impact job performance, and cause accidents that are a liability for any employer. The National Safety Council reports that 16% of employees have a substance abuse disorder, costing employers $81 billion per year in three major categories: absenteeism, healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Drug testing continues to be a crucial part of the hiring and pre-employment screening process, proving to be the best preventative measure in maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employers typically drug test employees during pre-employment screening before hire, when there is a reasonable suspicion or cause, as part of a random drug testing program, or during a post-accident reported incident. Drug testing can use any of four sample types: urine, blood, saliva, and hair follicle to test for drugs, however, the mostly commonly used specimen amongst employers is urine.
Since urine drug testing is common practice for most employers, some individuals might look into different creative solutions to ensure they pass their upcoming drug test. Synthetic urine, also known as “fake pee,” is an artificially synthesized substance that simulates the composition, chemical properties, and appearance of human urine. Urine drug tests, or urinalysis, remain the most commonly used alcohol and drug testing method. So, it wouldn’t surprise you that many people would turn to a fake urine kit to help ensure their test results are negative.
Learn how Employers Choice Screening can help you identify the signs of employee drug use through our Substance Abuse Awareness Training as well as customize a Drug Screening Program that screens against false positives and ensures your applicant is clean through confirmed MRO-reviewed drug tests.
