LET’S GET TO WORK-Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988-Part 2

Substance abuse is the use of any substance to the extent that it causes physical, mental or emotional damage, either temporary or permanent.  Abused substances can be legal or illegal.  Individuals may abuse substances such as alcohol, over-the-counter medications, household chemicals, prescription drugs or illegal drugs.

A drug-free workplace program consists of having a comprehensive, clear and concise policy
in place that is compliant with the Idaho Employer Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and provides training of managers and supervisors so they can identify specific behaviors or performance indicators of employees who are involved in substance abuse and understand the drug policy of the company.  

About 70% of drug abusers are employed and find jobs in companies that do not have a drug
policy.  Addictions are diseases based on compulsive, obsessive and dependent behaviors that take priority over all other human needs.  Alcohol and other drugs become more important than family, friends and careers, food, clothing and shelter. 

The blood alcohol content or concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream is measured by how many
drinks taken and the body weight in pounds.  One drink is 1.25 oz of 80 proof liquor, 12 oz. of beer or 5 oz. of table wine.  If a male weighs about 180 lbs. and tests .13 is considered legally intoxicated and has consumed approximately 6 drinks.   If a female who weighs 180 lbs. and tests .15 is considered legally intoxicated and has consumed approximately 6 drinks.  A breath meter measures the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream.

The Ethyl Glucuronide/Ethyl Sulfate (EtG/EtS is a direct metabolite of alcohol (ethanol) urine test available to confirm the presence of alcohol within the previous 3 to 4 days or approximately 80 hours after ethanol has been ingested.   A positive EtG test above 100 ng/ml and EtS above 25 ng/ml indicates recent ethanol ingestion. 

The presence of drugs in hair is based on a simple scientific fact.  Drugs which are ingested circulate in a person’s bloodstream which nourishes the developing hair follicle.  Trace amounts of the drugs become entrapped in the core of the hair shaft in amounts roughly proportional to those ingested.  These trace amounts of drugs remain in the hair as it grows out from the head at a rate of approximately ½ inch per month.  Drug residues cannot be washed or flushed out and are stable over time.  Thus, a drug history can be obtained from the hair of any individual.  A standard test covers a
period of approximately 90 days.  The primary differences of a urine test verses a hair test are a wider window of detection and the inability to tamper with the test.

Analyzing a urine sample is a common way to test for drugs used.  A rapid, one step screening test for the simultaneous, qualitative detection of multiple drugs and drug metabolites in the urine gives an instant result.  The test utilizes antibodies to selectively detect elevated levels of specific
drugs in the urine.  Tests can be performed for Amphetamine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Marijuana, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, Opiate, Oxycodone, Phencyclidine, Propoxyphene, Tricyclic & Antidepressants.  Synthetic stimulants such as Spice and Bath Salts can also be detected
in the urine.

Today, employers have available to them a powerful array of resources to protect their business, their employees, and the public they serve from the risks and harm that can result from worker drug use.

Brenda Bailey is a Certified Drug Testing Collector and can be reached at 208-678-4040.  For more
information contact  brenda.bailey.1@hotmail.com.  Copies of my articles can be found at http://www.baileysonestop.blogspot.com