Pubdate: Mon, 16 Jul 2007 Source: Charlotte Observer (NC) Copyright: 2007 The Charlotte Observer Contact: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78 Author: Jeff Nesmith ,Cox News Service Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Derek