However, most illicit drug users were employed. Of the 21.5 million current illicit drug users aged 18 or older in 2012, 14.6 million (67.9 percent) were employed either full or part time.

The study also found that the current rate of alcohol use was 64.8 percent for full-time employed adults, which was higher than the rate for unemployed adults (54.9 percent). Most binge and heavy alcohol users were employed. Among the 57.9 million adults who were binge drinkers, 43.6 million (75.4 percent) were employed either full or part time. Among the 16.7 million adults who were heavy drinkers, 12.5 million (74.7 percent) were employed.

“The increase in drug and alcohol abuse by employed adults should be a health and safety concern for all employers and workers,” says BarnesCare director of clinical operations Diane Palmer, RN, MHA. “Employers with drug-free workplace policies who test new employees post-offer and test existing workers after initial injury and/or within a certified random program, will have safer, more productive workplaces.”

Results from the 2012 national Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings