It’s summertime and parties, vacations, weekend get-a-ways, and public celebrations are increasing. We are more likely to relax and let our guard down as we enjoy barbeques, birthday parties, or family get togethers. One thing we should not let our guard down on is drug and alcohol testing.
This is a more social time of year, and with social time comes social drinking. While some people can enjoy an adult beverage or two, other people may struggle with substance abuse issues. Those who do struggle may feel pressure to drink to fit in. This can lead to overconsumption.
For all you Michiganders who experienced our recent heat wave, I am sure you can understand that according to U.S. Care Behavioral Health, prolonged heat and humidity can make dealing with every day struggles more of an issue, and therefore can also be a trigger for substance abuse.
As many employers are hiring summer interns or young people fresh out of college, this increased substance use, and potential abuse, can be more of a concern for young adults. According to a NYU study, summertime is when many young adults try drugs and alcohol for the first time.
The ever-increasing legalization of marijuana has led to normalization of the use of the substance. Even before it was legal, marijuana was widely used at outdoor concerts and festivals. Now that it is legal the use has increased greatly. According to the most recent Quest drug testing index, “Over five years, marijuana positivity has increased 45.2%, with 2023 reaching a new peak compared to 2019 (3.1% in 2019 versus 4.5% in 2023).”
The index also stated that post accident drug tests for marijuana continue to increase. Over a 9-year span, it increased by 114.3%. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which was referenced in the index, stated that workplace injuries increased by 10% in locations where recreational marijuana is sold legally.
Of course, this is not the only drug that people are using. As reported in the Quest Index, cocaine positivity in the general U.S. workforce increased 9.1% and amphetamines positivity remained flat.
On a better note, use of opiates and oxycodone has decreased. The CDC lists that in the U.S. in 2019 there were 9.7 million reported misuses of prescription opioids. While that is a high number, it is down significantly from the 12.5 million reported in 2015.
Take a look at your drug testing policy, especially if it has not been reviewed in a while. This is a good time to make any necessary updates and get your staff trained so you can be prepared for what the summer may bring.
Sources: myuscare.com; newportinstitute.com; newsroom.questdiagnostics.com; cdc.gov