SUBSTANCE ABUSERS MANAGE TO HANG ON TO FULL-TIME JOBS

Most Americans who use illicit drugs or drink heavily manage to hold
down full-time jobs, according to a study by the U.S. Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration.

But the study, based on a poll of 128,000 employees, concludes
substance use nearly doubles the rates of absenteeism and injury
compared with those who do not abuse drugs or alcohol.

The highest rates of current illicit drug use were found among food
service workers and construction workers. Heavy alcohol use was
highest among construction, mining and drilling workers and
installation, maintenance and repair workers.

Substance abusers also had higher job turnover rates, with 12.3 per
cent of illicit drug users saying they had worked for three or more
employers in the past year, compared with 5.1 per cent of non-abusing
workers.

Illicit drug use was defined as use of marijuana/hashish, cocaine,
heroin, hallucinogens, or prescription psychotherapeutics used
non-medicinally while on the job. Heavy alcohol use was defined as
drinking five or more drinks at least five days a month.