Drug Free Workplace Newsletter

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WELCOME to the Drug Free Workplace e-Newsletter! Designed to provide you with timely information regarding ongoing anti-drug activities in the business community, key issues include recent events affecting awareness and attitudes towards drug-use in the work environment. Although geared toward small business, the newsletter contains a broad range of topics ranging from national trends, government policy, and recent findings to employee and parent education. We welcome your comments and suggestions and look forward to presenting you with the most current data you want and the important information you need. -- The publishers	The Buzz on Holiday Office Parties Alcohol Kills 75,000 Annually, Says CDC Breaking the Corporate 'Conspiracy of Silence' on Addiction Recent Trends Show Cause for Concern Most Adults with Substance Abuse Problems Are Employed New Website Provides Addiction Training for healthcare professionals More news can be found on our website Working Parents Corner

Content 1
The Buzz on Holiday Office Parties
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It’s that time of year again! And an office party can be a great morale builder during the holiday season. While in the past, the biggest concern may have involved an overly enthusiastic employee and a broken lampshade, times have changed, and now employers need to think twice about the potential liabilities involved in allowing employees to grow a little too merry on spiked punch. Some Alcohol-Free Holiday Ideas Be sure to invite the families of your employees. Have Santa stop over to meet the children. Hold a group outing at an amusement park. Organize a volunteer activity for a local charity. Throw a party at a fancy restaurant so that terrific food and socializing becomes the focus of the party. When deciding whether to serve alcohol at a business function, an employer should ask what risks are involved and what steps can be taken to reduce them. Parties where alcohol is served pose potential legal risks and costs for employees and for their employers. Court rulings in several states, have held employers liable when an employee drinks alcohol at a company-sponsored party and then causes an automotive crash. Jury verdicts have ranged into the millions of dollars when the inebriated employee causes fatal injuries to a third party on the way home from a company function. A company-sponsored party may be subject to claims under both workers' compensation and general liability insurance. There are other costs as well. Any time an employee is involved in an alcohol-related incident, businesses pay with increased absenteeism and use of health care benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol-and Drug-Free Workplace. In fact, given that substance abusers in general are ten times more likely to miss work, 3.6 times more likely to be involved in on-the-job accidents, and five times more likely to injure themselves or another when they do have accidents, employers may want to think twice about what message they're sending to employees when they decide to serve alcohol. Any social event brings with it the possibility of personal injuries, third party injuries and sexual harassment. Alcohol increases those risks and while the safest route is to forego serving alcoholic beverages or allowing employees to bring their own. The choice is influenced by your company's or industry's culture. If you do decide to serve alcohol, there are steps you can take to cut down on the risks. Be aware of your own state laws regarding alcoholic beverages at an office event and your potential liability. Those most likely to drive impaired — employees between the ages of 21 and 34 — are probably well-represented in your workplace. Take advantage of the fact that they provide a captive audience for drinking-and-driving prevention messages and get those messages out there via employee education sessions, organizational newsletters, payroll stuffers or workplace displays. And if you decide to not serve, remember, it's not that as an employer, you don't want employees to have a good time, but alcohol-free gatherings can also provide a good time. The Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program has a special Web page (http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/workingpartners/sp_iss/send.asp) that addresses steps employers can take during the holiday season--and all year round--to prevent impaired driving in their communities and send their employees a safe and sober message about workplace parties and drinking. Working Partners is a U.S. Department of Labor initiative that raises awareness about the impact drugs and alcohol have on the workplace and helps employers develop drug-free workplace programs. All Working Partners tools and resources--including information about how to develop a drug-free workplace policy from start to finish and ready-to-use training materials--are available online at www.dol.gov/workingpartners. http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_19120.html

Content 1

The Buzz on Holiday Office Parties

It’s that time of year again! And an office party can be a great morale builder during the holiday season. While in the past, the biggest concern may have involved an overly enthusiastic employee and a broken lampshade, times have changed, and now employers need to think twice about the potential liabilities involved in allowing employees to grow a little too merry on spiked punch.

Some Alcohol-Free Holiday Ideas

Be sure to invite the families of your employees.
Have Santa stop over to meet the children.
Hold a group outing at an amusement park.
Organize a volunteer activity for a local charity.
Throw a party at a fancy restaurant so that terrific food and socializing becomes the focus of the party.

When deciding whether to serve alcohol at a business function, an employer should ask what risks are involved and what steps can be taken to reduce them. Parties where alcohol is served pose potential legal risks and costs for employees and for their employers. Court rulings in several states, have held employers liable when an employee drinks alcohol at a company-sponsored party and then causes an automotive crash. Jury verdicts have ranged into the millions of dollars when the inebriated employee causes fatal injuries to a third party on the way home from a company function. A company-sponsored party may be subject to claims under both workers' compensation and general liability insurance.

There are other costs as well. Any time an employee is involved in an alcohol-related incident, businesses pay with increased absenteeism and use of health care benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol-and Drug-Free Workplace. In fact, given that substance abusers in general are ten times more likely to miss work, 3.6 times more likely to be involved in on-the-job accidents, and five times more likely to injure themselves or another when they do have accidents, employers may want to think twice about what message they're sending to employees when they decide to serve alcohol.

Any social event brings with it the possibility of personal injuries, third party injuries and sexual harassment. Alcohol increases those risks and while the safest route is to forego serving alcoholic beverages or allowing employees to bring their own. The choice is influenced by your company's or industry's culture. If you do decide to serve alcohol, there are steps you can take to cut down on the risks.

Be aware of your own state laws regarding alcoholic beverages at an office event and your potential liability. Those most likely to drive impaired — employees between the ages of 21 and 34 — are probably well-represented in your workplace. Take advantage of the fact that they provide a captive audience for drinking-and-driving prevention messages and get those messages out there via employee education sessions, organizational newsletters, payroll stuffers or workplace displays.

And if you decide to not serve, remember, it's not that as an employer, you don't want employees to have a good time, but alcohol-free gatherings can also provide a good time.
The Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program has a special Web page (http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/drugs/workingpartners/sp_iss/send.asp) that addresses steps employers can take during the holiday season--and all year round--to prevent impaired driving in their communities and send their employees a safe and sober message about workplace parties and drinking.

Working Partners is a U.S. Department of Labor initiative that raises awareness about the impact drugs and alcohol have on the workplace and helps employers develop drug-free workplace programs. All Working Partners tools and resources--including information about how to develop a drug-free workplace policy from start to finish and ready-to-use training materials--are available online at www.dol.gov/workingpartners.

http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_19120.html

Content
Alcohol Kills 75,000 Annually, Says CDC
An estimated 75,000 Americans die each year because of alcohol use, with drinking-related diseases cutting their lives short by an average of 30 years, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reuters reported Sept. 23 that the CDC estimated that 34,833 Americans died in 2001 from alcohol-related diseases like cirrhosis of the liver and cancer, while an additional 40,933 died in alcohol-related car crashes and other accidents. Of those who died from alcohol-related causes, 72 percent were men, and people under age 21 accounted for 6 percent of deaths. Men averaging more than two alcoholic drinks daily or consuming four or more drinks per occasion were considered heavy drinkers by the researchers; for women, the standard was averaging three drinks per sitting or a drink a day or more. "These results emphasize the importance of adopting effective strategies to reduce excessive drinking, including increasing alcohol excise taxes and screening for alcohol misuse in clinical settings," according to the study. http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,574718,00.html During the holiday season, the workplace is often a place where employees and employers get together to unwind and celebrate. Typically workplace parties involve plenty of food and drinks. If the drinks include alcohol, however, workplace parties can have very unfortunate consequences.	back to top
Workplace Resource Center SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration http://workplace.samhsa.gov/

Content

Alcohol Kills 75,000 Annually, Says CDC

An estimated 75,000 Americans die each year because of alcohol use, with drinking-related diseases cutting their lives short by an average of 30 years, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Reuters reported Sept. 23 that the CDC estimated that 34,833 Americans died in 2001 from alcohol-related diseases like cirrhosis of the liver and cancer, while an additional 40,933 died in alcohol-related car crashes and other accidents. Of those who died from alcohol-related causes, 72 percent were men, and people under age 21 accounted for 6 percent of deaths.

Men averaging more than two alcoholic drinks daily or consuming four or more drinks per occasion were considered heavy drinkers by the researchers; for women, the standard was averaging three drinks per sitting or a drink a day or more.

"These results emphasize the importance of adopting effective strategies to reduce excessive drinking, including increasing alcohol excise taxes and screening for alcohol misuse in clinical settings," according to the study.

http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,574718,00.html
During the holiday season, the workplace is often a place where employees and employers get together to unwind and celebrate. Typically workplace parties involve plenty of food and drinks. If the drinks include alcohol, however, workplace parties can have very unfortunate consequences.

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Workplace Resource Center

SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

http://workplace.samhsa.gov/

Content 3
Breaking the Corporate 'Conspiracy of Silence' on Addiction
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Bob Poznanovich, a former Chicago, Ill., computer-sales executive who fell from the corporate ladder because of a cocaine addiction, says companies need to break "the conspiracy of silence" that surrounds addiction and learn more about workers' addiction problems and how to address them, the Chicago Tribune reported July 12. Poznanovich said company officials, colleagues, and customers knew about his drug problem, but nobody confronted him. The company let him go as part of a job-restructuring effort. Poznanovich now heads a company that provides people and businesses with guidance in addiction crises. While many companies promote drug-free workplaces, a survey of human-relations officers at U.S. firms found that more than half were not aware of how to identify an addiction-related problem. Furthermore, more than one-third didn't know how to get treatment for addicted workers, while one-quarter said their companies preferred firing someone rather than getting them help. "We've had companies tell us that addiction isn't their problem, so why bother," said William Moyers, a spokesman for the Hazelden Foundation, a Minnesota-based addiction-research organization that conducted the survey. Part of the problem, said Moyers, is that the image of an addicted person doesn't match reality. "When somebody like me has a problem, people dismiss it because they can't imagine that somebody of my reputation or last name could have the problem," said Moyers, a recovering addict and son of legendary TV journalist Bill Moyers. Bill Heffernan, co-president of Employee Resources System Inc., a Chicago-based company, said many employers would rather not deal with addicted workers. "I hear it all the time. I see it all the time. And it drives me wild," Heffernan said. "People say, 'I have an employee who is a drug addict and I'm waiting for him to get caught in the drug test.' I say, 'If you have a problem, deal with it.'" Most experts agree that workplace interventions can be effective. "I've never had a person refuse treatment if his job was on the line," said Marguerite Phelps, a Chicago-area drug and alcohol counselor. But Dr. Joseph Flaherty, head of the psychiatry department at the University of Chicago at Illinois, said part of the problem is that many company officials aren't familiar with intervention. "I frequently get calls from physicians' families. They call me because they want to know what they should do. And when I say intervention, they say, 'How can we do it?' Most people, left on their own, just don't know what to do." http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0,1854,573002,00.htm

Content 3

Breaking the Corporate 'Conspiracy of Silence' on Addiction

Bob Poznanovich, a former Chicago, Ill., computer-sales executive who fell from the corporate ladder because of a cocaine addiction, says companies need to break "the conspiracy of silence" that surrounds addiction and learn more about workers' addiction problems and how to address them, the Chicago Tribune reported July 12.

Poznanovich said company officials, colleagues, and customers knew about his drug problem, but nobody confronted him. The company let him go as part of a job-restructuring effort.

Poznanovich now heads a company that provides people and businesses with guidance in addiction crises.

While many companies promote drug-free workplaces, a survey of human-relations officers at U.S. firms found that more than half were not aware of how to identify an addiction-related problem. Furthermore, more than one-third didn't know how to get treatment for addicted workers, while one-quarter said their companies preferred firing someone rather than getting them help.

"We've had companies tell us that addiction isn't their problem, so why bother," said William Moyers, a spokesman for the Hazelden Foundation, a Minnesota-based addiction-research organization that conducted the survey.

Part of the problem, said Moyers, is that the image of an addicted person doesn't match reality. "When somebody like me has a problem, people dismiss it because they can't imagine that somebody of my reputation or last name could have the problem," said Moyers, a recovering addict and son of legendary TV journalist Bill Moyers.

Bill Heffernan, co-president of Employee Resources System Inc., a Chicago-based company, said many employers would rather not deal with addicted workers. "I hear it all the time. I see it all the time. And it drives me wild," Heffernan said. "People say, 'I have an employee who is a drug addict and I'm waiting for him to get caught in the drug test.' I say, 'If you have a problem, deal with it.'"

Most experts agree that workplace interventions can be effective. "I've never had a person refuse treatment if his job was on the line," said Marguerite Phelps, a Chicago-area drug and alcohol counselor.

But Dr. Joseph Flaherty, head of the psychiatry department at the University of Chicago at Illinois, said part of the problem is that many company officials aren't familiar with intervention. "I frequently get calls from physicians' families. They call me because they want to know what they should do. And when I say intervention, they say, 'How can we do it?' Most people, left on their own, just don't know what to do."

http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0,1854,573002,00.htm

Content 4
Recent Trends Show Cause for Concern
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In recent months, the media has highlighted the increase of usage and dependence upon several substances among our workforce. Marijuana, methamphetamines, and a new FDA approved prescription medication, Provigil have been the subject of several studies and recent reports. *More “meth” at work on the job* The use of methamphetamine or “meth” by employees has jumped 68 percent last year and is on its way to surpass cocaine this year as the preferred illegal stimulant in the workplace. Quest Diagnostics administered 7.1 million drug tests in 2003 reported that out of every 1,000 workers and job applicants tested, an average of 3.2 tested positive for “meth” last year. Once known as a party drug, “meth” is attractive among workers because it prevents fatigue and provides a feeling of self-confidence without a visible high. A growing number of overworked and stressed employees are using the drug to increase concentration and stamina, the Los Angeles Times reported Sept. 13. And according to researchers, “meth” is most common on construction sites and in manufacturing plants, where workers must stay alert during long hours of repetitive work. Use of the drug is also growing in the entertainment, sales, retail, and legal professions. Workers view the drug as “just another way to keep them awake and on message," said Nancy Delogu, a Washington, D.C. attorney and an expert in workplace substance misuse. The drug's low cost, about $100 a month, makes it affordable for many workers. However, the accidents, absenteeism, and health costs associated with “meth” use are becoming costly for businesses. Preliminary findings of research examining the economic impact of “meth” use in Benton County, Ark., finds that meth use cost employers $21 million last year, or $42,000 per affected worker. "Employers are going to be surprised what this drug can mean to their bottom line," said study author Katherine Deck, associate director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas. Despite the growing cost to businesses, many companies are doing little to address the problem. As a result, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun providing training materials to help employers recognize symptoms of the drug's use. In addition, the agency includes information about meth on its website. "As this becomes a longer trend, we are definitely growing more worried," said Dr. Don Wright, director of occupational medicine at the agency. *“It’s just marijuana.”* While the number of people smoking marijuana has not changed in the past 10 years, there has been an increase in the number of people getting hooked on the drug. Marijuana abuse and dependence among users was up almost 20 percent in 10 years. An explanation for the increase can be traced back to the potency of marijuana. Marijuana is now about twice as potent as it was 10 years ago. In a new study done by the Journal of the American Medical Association the greatest increase has been in the minority population. The number of African- Americans abusing or dependent on the drug was 21.2 percent in 1991-92. In 2001-2002 that number went up to 38.6 percent. Compared among Hispanics, 23.7 percent in 1991-92 were reported. That number jumped to 37.1 in 2001-2002. The problem is that people still consider marijuana harmless. “People have a tendency to think this is a safe drug, but there is no such thing as a safe drug,” said Dr Gopal Upadhya, medical director of the Areba Casriel Institute. Marijuana side effect can cause memory and learning problems, loss of coordination, a distorted perception of reality, reasoning difficulties, and increased heart rate and an increased risk of cancer. (For more information on the potency of marijuana, please visit our website headlines. http://dfwp.utsa.edu/) *Sales of Unique Stimulant Skyrocketing* A growing number of people are using Provigil, a drug that boosts the central nervous system without the addiction and euphoria of amphetamines. It allows people to stay awake for hours or even days. Provigil is an attractive drug among millions because it has few side effects. The worst is a mild headache or slight nausea. The drug is becoming a pick me up for college students, truck drivers, computer programmers, and others who need to push their bodies to stay awake in culture of 24-hour stores or graveyard shifts. Many of those taking Provigil might go undiagnosed for diseases that cause fatigue such as diabetes or sleep apnea. Those taking Provigil should be warned that reducing sleep can cause long-term neurological and cardiovascular effects. The drug was first marketed in the United States as a treatment for narcolepsy, a severe sleep disorder. The Food and Drug Administration expanded its uses to include obstructive sleep apnea and sleeping problems caused by shift work. But 90 percent of all prescriptions of Provigil are “off label” uses such as fatigue, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleepiness caused by other prescription medications. But experts are concerned of the prevalent use because sleep is a restorative, protective health process. Sleep affects performance, blood pressure, heart rate, insulin, and various hormone secretions. “No matter what medications come out that make sleep seem like a waste of time, we know that the sleep-deprived state is a bad one to be in,” said Dr. Kavey, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,572621,00.html http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docID=518733 http://jointogether.org/y/0,2521,573326,0.html http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0,1854,574690,00.html

Content 4

Recent Trends Show Cause for Concern

In recent months, the media has highlighted the increase of usage and dependence upon several substances among our workforce. Marijuana, methamphetamines, and a new FDA approved prescription medication, Provigil have been the subject of several studies and recent reports.

More “meth” at work on the job

The use of methamphetamine or “meth” by employees has jumped 68 percent last year and is on its way to surpass cocaine this year as the preferred illegal stimulant in the workplace.

Quest Diagnostics administered 7.1 million drug tests in 2003 reported that out of every 1,000 workers and job applicants tested, an average of 3.2 tested positive for “meth” last year.

Once known as a party drug, “meth” is attractive among workers because it prevents fatigue and provides a feeling of self-confidence without a visible high. A growing number of overworked and stressed employees are using the drug to increase concentration and stamina, the Los Angeles Times reported Sept. 13.

And according to researchers, “meth” is most common on construction sites and in manufacturing plants, where workers must stay alert during long hours of repetitive work. Use of the drug is also growing in the entertainment, sales, retail, and legal professions.

Workers view the drug as “just another way to keep them awake and on message," said Nancy Delogu, a Washington, D.C. attorney and an expert in workplace substance misuse.

The drug's low cost, about $100 a month, makes it affordable for many workers. However, the accidents, absenteeism, and health costs associated with “meth” use are becoming costly for businesses. Preliminary findings of research examining the economic impact of “meth” use in Benton County, Ark., finds that meth use cost employers $21 million last year, or $42,000 per affected worker.

"Employers are going to be surprised what this drug can mean to their bottom line," said study author Katherine Deck, associate director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas.

Despite the growing cost to businesses, many companies are doing little to address the problem. As a result, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun providing training materials to help employers recognize symptoms of the drug's use. In addition, the agency includes information about meth on its website.

"As this becomes a longer trend, we are definitely growing more worried," said Dr. Don Wright, director of occupational medicine at the agency.

“It’s just marijuana.”

While the number of people smoking marijuana has not changed in the past 10 years, there has been an increase in the number of people getting hooked on the drug. Marijuana abuse and dependence among users was up almost 20 percent in 10 years. An explanation for the increase can be traced back to the potency of marijuana. Marijuana is now about twice as potent as it was 10 years ago.

In a new study done by the Journal of the American Medical Association the greatest increase has been in the minority population. The number of African-
Americans abusing or dependent on the drug was 21.2 percent in 1991-92. In 2001-2002 that number went up to 38.6 percent. Compared among Hispanics, 23.7 percent in 1991-92 were reported. That number jumped to 37.1 in 2001-2002.

The problem is that people still consider marijuana harmless. “People have a tendency to think this is a safe drug, but there is no such thing as a safe drug,” said Dr Gopal Upadhya, medical director of the Areba Casriel Institute. Marijuana side effect can cause memory and learning problems, loss of coordination, a distorted perception of reality, reasoning difficulties, and increased heart rate and an increased risk of cancer. (For more information on the potency of marijuana, please visit our website headlines. http://dfwp.utsa.edu/)

Sales of Unique Stimulant Skyrocketing

A growing number of people are using Provigil, a drug that boosts the central nervous system without the addiction and euphoria of amphetamines. It allows people to stay awake for hours or even days. Provigil is an attractive drug among millions because it has few side effects. The worst is a mild headache or slight nausea.

The drug is becoming a pick me up for college students, truck drivers, computer programmers, and others who need to push their bodies to stay awake in culture of 24-hour stores or graveyard shifts. Many of those taking Provigil might go undiagnosed for diseases that cause fatigue such as diabetes or sleep apnea. Those taking Provigil should be warned that reducing sleep can cause long-term neurological and cardiovascular effects.

The drug was first marketed in the United States as a treatment for narcolepsy, a severe sleep disorder. The Food and Drug Administration expanded its uses to include obstructive sleep apnea and sleeping problems caused by shift work. But 90 percent of all prescriptions of Provigil are “off label” uses such as fatigue, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleepiness caused by other prescription medications.

But experts are concerned of the prevalent use because sleep is a restorative, protective health process. Sleep affects performance, blood pressure, heart rate, insulin, and various hormone secretions. “No matter what medications come out that make sleep seem like a waste of time, we know that the sleep-deprived state is a bad one to be in,” said Dr. Kavey, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.

http://www.jointogether.org/y/0,2521,572621,00.html

http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docID=518733

http://jointogether.org/y/0,2521,573326,0.html

http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0,1854,574690,00.html

Content 5
Most Adults with Substance Abuse Problems Are Employed
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Findings from 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health released in September of this year show that overall, 8 percent of the American population aged 12 or older, currently use illicit drugs. The data gathered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), indicates that of the 16.7 million adult users (18 and older) of illicit drugs in 2003, about 74 percent were employed either full time or part time. Substance Abuse Facts for Small Business The American workplace consists primarily of small businesses. The federal government estimates that of the 74 percent of illegal drug users are employed, the majority work for small businesses. Small businesses traditionally draw heavily from the pool of 18- to 34-year-old job seekers, a segment of the American population that is at the heart of a nationwide increase in illegal drug use. Among young adults age 18-20, 18 percent are current illicit drug users; 12 percent of those age 21-25 and 8 percent of those age 26-34 also are current drug users. The future work force is also at risk for alcohol and other drug abuse. Alcohol and other drug abuse among American teens is increasing at an alarming rate—up 33 percent between 1994 and 1995; up 78 percent between 1992 and 1995. An ongoing study for the Postal Service reports absenteeism among drug users is 66 percent higher, health benefit utilization is 84 percent greater in dollar terms, disciplinary actions are 90 percent higher, and employee turnover is significantly higher. Businesses should implement and maintain programs to ensure that the workplace is productive and safe, and that success is not held up by alcohol and any other drug abuse. The survey also found that of the 19.4 million adults (age 18 and over) characterized with abuse of or dependence on alcohol or drugs (19.4 million) in 2003, 14.9 million (77 percent) were employed either full or part time. This amounts to over ten percent of full-time workers as well as over ten percent of part-time workers. SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie said: “Employers who think alcohol and drug abuse will never be a problem in their workplace need to consider that more than three quarters of adults who have serious drug and or alcohol problems are employed.” Businesses don’t always recognize the problem but end up paying a huge price. Employees who are drug users cost the employers about twice as much in medical and workers compensation claims compared to their drug-free coworkers. Alcoholism alone is responsible for 500 million lost workdays per year. Encouraging employees to find help when they need it can result in fewer accidents and fewer workers absent on Monday morning. It may even save an employee’s life, family, or job. In a recent interview with Monster.com, Calvina Fay, executive director of Drug Free, America Foundation Inc., advises employees to come forward even though the law isn’t always on the employee’s side. “I’ve probably dealt with thousands of people who have told me the hardest part was coming forward, but the best part was admitting there was a problem and getting the help they needed.” Not all employers are understanding. Those who work for a company with a certified drug-free workplace can get assistance without fear of consequences. If they have tested positive, completed rehabilitation and are about to return to work, they fall under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employers must treat them as they would any other employee with a physical disability. Small enterprises are particularly vulnerable to problems of drug abuse among their employees because often drug abusers will look for work at smaller businesses where the likelihood of drug testing is a slim one. Creating a drug-free workplace program or enhancing an existing program can lead to a healthier, more productive work force and be an important part of solving one of our nation’s most persistent problems.” For help with establishing a policy for your small business, use the customizable template at www.dfwp.org. Sources: A Health and Human Services fact sheet with more information is available at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/. Other resources are available at the Web sites for SAMHSA (http://www.samhsa.gov), CDC (http://www.cdc.gov), NIDA (http://www.nida.nih.gov) and NIAAA (www.niaaa.nih.gov). Findings from the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health are available on the Web at www.oas.samhsa.gov http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040909b.html http://diversity.monster.com/wwd/articles/drugabuse/

Content 5

Most Adults with Substance Abuse Problems Are Employed

Findings from 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health released in September of this year show that overall, 8 percent of the American population aged 12 or older, currently use illicit drugs. The data gathered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), indicates that of the 16.7 million adult users (18 and older) of illicit drugs in 2003, about 74 percent were employed either full time or part time.

Substance Abuse Facts for Small Business

The American workplace consists primarily of small businesses. The federal government estimates that of the 74 percent of illegal drug users are employed, the majority work for small businesses.

Small businesses traditionally draw heavily from the pool of 18- to 34-year-old job seekers, a segment of the American population that is at the heart of a nationwide increase in illegal drug use. Among young adults age 18-20, 18 percent are current illicit drug users; 12 percent of those age 21-25 and 8 percent of those age 26-34 also are current drug users.

The future work force is also at risk for alcohol and other drug abuse. Alcohol and other drug abuse among American teens is increasing at an alarming rate—up 33 percent between 1994 and 1995; up 78 percent between 1992 and 1995.

An ongoing study for the Postal Service reports absenteeism among drug users is 66 percent higher, health benefit utilization is 84 percent greater in dollar terms, disciplinary actions are 90 percent higher, and employee turnover is significantly higher.

Businesses should implement and maintain programs to ensure that the workplace is productive and safe, and that success is not held up by alcohol and any other drug abuse.

The survey also found that of the 19.4 million adults (age 18 and over) characterized with abuse of or dependence on alcohol or drugs (19.4 million) in 2003, 14.9 million (77 percent) were employed either full or part time. This amounts to over ten percent of full-time workers as well as over ten percent of part-time workers.
SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie said: “Employers who think alcohol and drug abuse will never be a problem in their workplace need to consider that more than three quarters of adults who have serious drug and or alcohol problems are employed.”
Businesses don’t always recognize the problem but end up paying a huge price. Employees who are drug users cost the employers about twice as much in medical and workers compensation claims compared to their drug-free coworkers. Alcoholism alone is responsible for 500 million lost workdays per year.

Encouraging employees to find help when they need it can result in fewer accidents and fewer workers absent on Monday morning. It may even save an employee’s life, family, or job. In a recent interview with Monster.com, Calvina Fay, executive director of Drug Free, America Foundation Inc., advises employees to come forward even though the law isn’t always on the employee’s side. “I’ve probably dealt with thousands of people who have told me the hardest part was coming forward, but the best part was admitting there was a problem and getting the help they needed.”

Not all employers are understanding. Those who work for a company with a certified drug-free workplace can get assistance without fear of consequences. If they have tested positive, completed rehabilitation and are about to return to work, they fall under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employers must treat them as they would any other employee with a physical disability.

Small enterprises are particularly vulnerable to problems of drug abuse among their employees because often drug abusers will look for work at smaller businesses where the likelihood of drug testing is a slim one.
Creating a drug-free workplace program or enhancing an existing program can lead to a healthier, more productive work force and be an important part of solving one of our nation’s most persistent problems.” For help with establishing a policy for your small business, use the customizable template at www.dfwp.org.

Sources:
A Health and Human Services fact sheet with more information is available at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/. Other resources are available at the Web sites for SAMHSA (http://www.samhsa.gov), CDC (http://www.cdc.gov), NIDA (http://www.nida.nih.gov) and NIAAA (www.niaaa.nih.gov).
Findings from the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health are available on the Web at www.oas.samhsa.gov
http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040909b.html
http://diversity.monster.com/wwd/articles/drugabuse/

Content 6
New Website Provides Addiction Training for healthcare professionals
back to top

A group of medical-school students created the website, www.hpssat.org, to provide healthcare professionals with basic information on addiction. The students from medical schools, nursing schools, and pharmacy and physician assistant programs throughout the country formed Health Professional Students for Substance Abuse Training (HPSSAT) to help those looking for educational and advocacy information pertaining to addiction. Over the year, the media has alerted Americans to the emerging problem of prescription drug abuse and recent surveys have indicated that physicians often lack comfort, knowledge and skill in caring for patients suffering through addiction. Medical students see a number of patients with addictive diseases and can play a crucial role in educating them as well as treating the illness. The website created by the med students, provides information on curriculum development, state and national news developments, educational resources, training tools, and educational opportunities in the addiction field and was designed to help students in the healthcare field better understand the core requirements for adequate addiction-related training and to allow them to serve as advocates for local and national educational reform. "My vision is for this website to become the first place students will look for information about substance abuse, and also the first place they'll go to look for opportunities to get involved in substance abuse education, research, or advocacy in the community," said Lee. http://www.hpssat.org/about/index.html http://www.suntimes.com

Content 6

New Website Provides Addiction Training for healthcare professionals

A group of medical-school students created the website, www.hpssat.org, to provide healthcare professionals with basic information on addiction.
The students from medical schools, nursing schools, and pharmacy and physician assistant programs throughout the country formed Health Professional Students for Substance Abuse Training (HPSSAT) to help those looking for educational and advocacy information pertaining to addiction.

Over the year, the media has alerted Americans to the emerging problem of prescription drug abuse and recent surveys have indicated that physicians often lack comfort, knowledge and skill in caring for patients suffering through addiction. Medical students see a number of patients with addictive diseases and can play a crucial role in educating them as well as treating the illness.
The website created by the med students, provides information on curriculum development, state and national news developments, educational resources, training tools, and educational opportunities in the addiction field and was designed to help students in the healthcare field better understand the core requirements for adequate addiction-related training and to allow them to serve as advocates for local and national educational reform.

"My vision is for this website to become the first place students will look for information about substance abuse, and also the first place they'll go to look for opportunities to get involved in substance abuse education, research, or advocacy in the community," said Lee.

http://www.hpssat.org/about/index.html
http://www.suntimes.com

Content 7
More news can be found on our website
back to top

Find or post substance abuse events online [http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline47.htm] Pot potency is increasing and more addictive [http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline48.htm] More people misuse alcohol, but fewer addicted [http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline49.htm] Study says alcohol adds to road rage [http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline50.htm] Website screens over 200,000 for risking drinking [http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline51.htm]

Content 7

More news can be found on our website

Find or post substance abuse events online

[http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline47.htm]

Pot potency is increasing and more addictive

[http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline48.htm]

More people misuse alcohol, but fewer addicted

[http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline49.htm]

Study says alcohol adds to road rage

[http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline50.htm]

Website screens over 200,000 for risking drinking

[http://www.dfwp.utsa.edu/dfwp2003/dfwpHeadlines/headline51.htm]

Content 8
back to top
WORKING PARENTS CORNER Fathers Less Likely Than Mothers to Talk With Kids about Drugs Lax Attitude Toward the Risks of Drug Use May Be To Blame Survey data released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America® reports that fathers talk less often with their children about the issue of drugs than do mothers. The data were drawn from the Partnership's latest Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS). The survey data, released on Father's Day, found that only 39 percent of fathers have talked to their kids "four or more times" in the past year about drugs, compared to 48 percent of mothers. Research has shown drug use is lower among teens who report learning a lot about the risks of drugs at home. "Those of us who are fathers have to step up to the plate and start talking to our kids about the real dangers of drug use and other risky behaviors," said Tom Hedrick, director and founding member of the Partnership. "Not enough young people are getting a clear message about substance abuse, and research shows parents talking to kids early and often can make all the difference. We simply can't rely on mothers to do all of the heavy lifting." The survey data also found fathers were less likely to see negative consequences in use of some drugs. Less than half of fathers report believing that if their child smokes marijuana, they will face consequences such as difficulty coping with life's problems and getting along with family. The Partnership's data also indicate: Fathers were more likely to have tried marijuana in their lifetime than were mothers (59 percent vs. 52 percent), as well as LSD (14 percent vs. 8 percent). Fathers were more likely to discuss cigarettes and alcohol "a lot" with their teen than they were illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine and Ecstasy. Similar findings were reported from mothers. Fathers were less likely to use "parenting skills" such as monitoring their child's activities, making and enforcing rules, and asking about their child's day and who they were with. If they thought their child had a problem with drugs or alcohol, fathers were more likely than mothers to say they would first handle it themselves (24 percent of fathers vs. 18 percent mothers). Mothers were more likely to first look outside for help. One quarter of mothers and fathers say they "wish they knew better what to say" to their child about drugs. Research from the Partnership has shown that kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to half as likely to use; however only one-third of teens says they learn a lot about drugs from their parents. Helpful resources, information and tips for how to talk to kids about drugs is available on the Partnership's Web site at www.drugfree.org "The progress we're making in reducing teen drug use tells us that drugs don't have to be considered a teenage right of passage," said Hedrick. "Attitudes are everything. When it comes to our kids, parents – as well as grandparents, mentors and other adults – are much more powerful in shaping their opinions about drugs than we often realize." www.drugfree.org High Potency Marijuana Sending Teens to ER, Rehab Teenagers and preteens are being treated in emergency rooms or are entering drug treatment because to the use of highly potent type of marijuana. The use of marijuana among youths has been declining since the mid 1990s, but there has been an increase in more serious problems related to the drug. The federal health officials state that the number of marijuana-related ER visits for children 12 to 17 more than tripled since 1994. “ The kids we are see are not only smoking strong stuff at a younger age but their pattern of use might be three to six blunts – the equivalent of three or four joints each – just for themselves, in a day,” said Michael Dennis, a research psychologist in Bloomington, Ill. Marijuana taken by teens today is twice as potent as it was in the 1980s. Students Use Muscle Relaxant to Get High A growing number of teenagers are using the muscle relaxant, Soma t to get high. Concern began to arise when a 16 year old girl was arrested for smuggling almost 3,000 Soma pills across the border from Mexico. She had distributed them through a five school drug ring. According to Sgt. Sean Kelly from Mesa police in Arizona, Students are crushing them up and snorting the pills. They are also mixing them with alcohol. Parents are in the dark as some students feel as if it is no big deal and no big secret. “They are cheap, especially down in Mexico and everybody’s got them,” said one student. Most of Soma is coming from across the border. The drug is now a controlled substance, like narcotics. The problem is American kids with money can always find someone to sell not just Soma but any prescription drug. If they have access to a medicine cabinet they will be witch’s brew of prescription and over the counter drugs. This is an addiction that knows no geographic or economic boundaries or economic boundaries. http://www.cbsnews.com Huffing Can Kill Your Child Inhalants are common household solvents, cleaners, aerosols and other products that are easily available to kids and easily abused by inhaling the fumes to get high. It’s called “huffing.” According to Partnership for Drug Free America the abuse of inhalants by middle school children in up 44 percent over two year period. Harvey Weiss, who runs the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, said children have no idea of the risks. They just know that inhalants don’t show up in a drug test and many are not illegal to buy. “Part of the allure is that is works very quickly because it goes to the brain,” Weiss said. The use of inhalants can be fatal even though it was their first or 20th time. The risk of death is not the only problem; chronic inhalant abuse can impair kidney or liver functions. They can offer suffer from memory or hearing loss and even permanent brain damage. http://www.cbsnews.com

Content 8

WORKING PARENTS CORNER

Fathers Less Likely Than Mothers to Talk With Kids about Drugs
Lax Attitude Toward the Risks of Drug Use May Be To Blame

Survey data released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America® reports that fathers talk less often with their children about the issue of drugs than do mothers. The data were drawn from the Partnership's latest Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS).

The survey data, released on Father's Day, found that only 39 percent of fathers have talked to their kids "four or more times" in the past year about drugs, compared to 48 percent of mothers. Research has shown drug use is lower among teens who report learning a lot about the risks of drugs at home.

"Those of us who are fathers have to step up to the plate and start talking to our kids about the real dangers of drug use and other risky behaviors," said Tom Hedrick, director and founding member of the Partnership. "Not enough young people are getting a clear message about substance abuse, and research shows parents talking to kids early and often can make all the difference. We simply can't rely on mothers to do all of the heavy lifting."

The survey data also found fathers were less likely to see negative consequences in use of some drugs. Less than half of fathers report believing that if their child smokes marijuana, they will face consequences such as difficulty coping with life's problems and getting along with family.

The Partnership's data also indicate:

Fathers were more likely to have tried marijuana in their lifetime than were mothers (59 percent vs. 52 percent), as well as LSD (14 percent vs. 8 percent).
Fathers were more likely to discuss cigarettes and alcohol "a lot" with their teen than they were illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine and Ecstasy. Similar findings were reported from mothers.
Fathers were less likely to use "parenting skills" such as monitoring their child's activities, making and enforcing rules, and asking about their child's day and who they were with.
If they thought their child had a problem with drugs or alcohol, fathers were more likely than mothers to say they would first handle it themselves (24 percent of fathers vs. 18 percent mothers). Mothers were more likely to first look outside for help.
One quarter of mothers and fathers say they "wish they knew better what to say" to their child about drugs.

Research from the Partnership has shown that kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to half as likely to use; however only one-third of teens says they learn a lot about drugs from their parents. Helpful resources, information and tips for how to talk to kids about drugs is available on the Partnership's Web site at www.drugfree.org

"The progress we're making in reducing teen drug use tells us that drugs don't have to be considered a teenage right of passage," said Hedrick. "Attitudes are everything. When it comes to our kids, parents – as well as grandparents, mentors and other adults – are much more powerful in shaping their opinions about drugs than we often realize."

www.drugfree.org

High Potency Marijuana Sending Teens to ER, Rehab

Teenagers and preteens are being treated in emergency rooms or are entering drug treatment because to the use of highly potent type of marijuana. The use of marijuana among youths has been declining since the mid 1990s, but there has been an increase in more serious problems related to the drug. The federal health officials state that the number of marijuana-related ER visits for children 12 to 17 more than tripled since 1994.

“ The kids we are see are not only smoking strong stuff at a younger age but their pattern of use might be three to six blunts – the equivalent of three or four joints each – just for themselves, in a day,” said Michael Dennis, a research psychologist in Bloomington, Ill. Marijuana taken by teens today is twice as potent as it was in the 1980s.

Students Use Muscle Relaxant to Get High

A growing number of teenagers are using the muscle relaxant, Soma t to get high. Concern began to arise when a 16 year old girl was arrested for smuggling almost 3,000 Soma pills across the border from Mexico. She had distributed them through a five school drug ring.

According to Sgt. Sean Kelly from Mesa police in Arizona, Students are crushing them up and snorting the pills. They are also mixing them with alcohol. Parents are in the dark as some students feel as if it is no big deal and no big secret. “They are cheap, especially down in Mexico and everybody’s got them,” said one student. Most of Soma is coming from across the border.

The drug is now a controlled substance, like narcotics. The problem is American kids with money can always find someone to sell not just Soma but any prescription drug. If they have access to a medicine cabinet they will be witch’s brew of prescription and over the counter drugs. This is an addiction that knows no geographic or economic boundaries or economic boundaries.

http://www.cbsnews.com

Huffing Can Kill Your Child

Inhalants are common household solvents, cleaners, aerosols and other products that are easily available to kids and easily abused by inhaling the fumes to get high. It’s called “huffing.” According to Partnership for Drug Free America the abuse of inhalants by middle school children in up 44 percent over two year period.

Harvey Weiss, who runs the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, said children have no idea of the risks. They just know that inhalants don’t show up in a drug test and many are not illegal to buy. “Part of the allure is that is works very quickly because it goes to the brain,” Weiss said.

The use of inhalants can be fatal even though it was their first or 20th time. The risk of death is not the only problem; chronic inhalant abuse can impair kidney or liver functions. They can offer suffer from memory or hearing loss and even permanent brain damage.