MILLIONS WHO ABUSE DRUGS ALSO HOLD JOBS

Report Finds Less Likelihood Of A Problem Where Testing Occurs

WASHINGTON -- Nearly one in 12 of America's full-time workers -- more
than 10 million people -- have illicit drug or alcohol abuse problems
serious enough to require treatment, according to a government report
being released today. It found that 9.4 million illicit drug users and
10.1 million heavy drinkers have full-time jobs. Construction workers,
food service employees, and people who work in mining and similar jobs
head the list. But corporate CEOs also have a problem: 7.9 percent
describe being alcohol-dependent. It found that the rate of
drug-abusing workers was lower in the South, 7.9 percent, than the
national average of 8.2 percent.

Likewise, the Southern rate of workers who were heavy drinkers was 8.5
percent, below the 8.8 percent national average. "What this says is
there are a lot of us in the work force who are already in trouble,"
said Bob Stevenson, head of workplace programs of the federal
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, which is releasing
the study. The report says workers required to undergo drug testing --
either as a condition of employment or in the workplace -- were
significantly less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. The study is
based on self-described experiences of a sample of American workers
for the years 2002-2004. It defines illicit drugs as marijuana or
hashish, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription
drugs used non-medically. Heavy alcohol use was defined as five or
more drinks on five separate single occasions in the past 30 days.
Region by Region Percentage of workers abusing illicit drugs or alcohol

REGION - DRUGS - ALCOHOL
Northeast 8.9 8.4
Midwest 8.0 10.6
South 7.6 8.5
West 8.8 7.8
National 8.2 8.8

Note: Illicit drugs include marijuana/hashish, cocaine, heroin,
hallucinogens, inhalants or prescription drugs used non-medically. Heavy
alcohol use is defined as five or more drinks on five separate single
occasions in the past 30 days.
SOURCE: U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration