Author: John

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As one of the Nation’s leading service providers for DOT, NON-DOT Drug Testing, Background Checks and full service TPA Services, Accredited Drug Testing, Inc. receives numerous inquiries from single operators, employers and DER’s Nationwide in regard to their New Entrant Safety Audit for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  This audit typically occurs within 12 months of beginning safety sensitive operations.

We have provided a brief summary of the checklist as it pertains to the drug and alcohol program and driver qualification files.

What is required for the New Entrant Safety Audit?

Part 40 & 382 – Drug and Alcohol Program

Do you or your company have?

  • A DOT  Drug and Alcohol written policy and copies of driver’s acknowledgement of receipt (49 CFR382.601)
  • Proof of enrollment in 3rd party consortium and consortium roster showing all CDL drivers are enrolled in the random selection pool. (49 CFR 382.305 and 382.403)
  • Annual MIS Summary for previous calendar year indicating the total drivers in the selection pool, the number tested for controlled substance and the number selected for alcohol tests.
  • Negative Pre-employment drug test for each CDL driver also to include the Federal Custody and Control Form AND Negative test result signed by MRO (49 CFR 382.301)
  • ALL Positive or driver refusals for controlled substance and/or alcohol tests.
  • If the employer/carrier is using a driver who has tested positive for controlled substance or alcohol, provide evidence of the return to duty process and associated paperwork. (49 CFR 40 subpart O)
  • Proof of successful completion of supervisor reasonable suspicion training (49 CFR 382.603)
  • Documentation of ALL Post-accident controlled substance and alcohol test, if applicable (49 CFR 382.303)
  • Proof the employer has asked driver if they have ever tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment-controlled substance or alcohol test, which they did not obtain safety sensitive transportation work covered by DOT testing rules. (CFR 49 40.25 j)

Part 391 – Do Your Driver Qualification Files contain the following?

  • Driver’s application for employment must meet requirements of 49 CFR 391.21
  • Inquiry to all previous employers within the past 3yrs – background check of safety sensitive functions. (49 CFR 391. 23a 2 & c)
  • Inquiry to state motor vehicle records (MVR) covering 3yrs dated within 30 days of hire (49 CFR 391.23a 1 & b)
  • Annual driver certificate of violation, if the driver has been with the carrier over 365 days (49 CFR 391.27)
  • Annual MVR, if the driver has been with carrier over 365 days (49 CFR 391.25)
  • Carrier’s annual review of MVR, if the driver has been with the carrier over 365 days (49 CFR 391.25)

Click here for the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Audit Resource Guide

Click here to download the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Program Brochure

For more information on implementing a DOT Drug Policy, MVR Reports or to enroll in a DOT random drug and alcohol testing pool, click the button below or call us at 800-221-4291

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What happens if my drug test result is a negative dilute?

When your drug test result comes back as negative dilute, your employer may ask you to go in for another drug in accordance with their Drug Free Workplace Policy.   This will certainly be inconvenient for you.

How do I avoid a Negative Dilute Drug Test Result?

Essentially, when your urine specimen result for a drug test comes back as dilute, you have consumed too much water in advance of the test.  Individuals should be cautious not to over consume fluids prior to a drug test.  In general, an extra glass of water is about all you need.  Drinking too much fluids will more than likely end up with a dilute specimen result.

A positive dilute drug test result is always classified as a positive result.   However, when an individual has a negative dilute drug test result, many employers will require you to go back for another drug test typically within 24 hours of receiving the negative dilute result.

How is Dilution Caused?

Dilution is caused by adding fluid to the sample also known as adulteration or by drinking large amounts of fluids which may dilute the specimen.  Adding fluids to your specimen to influence the results of the test and generally is an indicator that an individual is trying to cheat the drug test.

What makes a specimen dilute?

A dilute specimen is defined as a urine specimen that has a creatine level of greater than 5 mg/dl or less than 20 g/dl and a specific gravity is less than 1.0010 (or greater than 1.0200).

These 2 integrity variable tests are routinely performed on every urine sample that is analyzed at one of our SAMHSA Certified Labs. If a specimen meets the above 2 criteria, the lab will report the result as a “Dilute specimen”. When a urine sample is reported as “Dilute” it is possible that drugs in their system may not be detected.

Don’t be alarmed if your employer informs you that your drug test result is a negative dilute result.  A negative dilute result should never be a reason for you to be terminated or not get the job.  If this does happen, call an attorney.  Individuals should never be fired because they consume a lot of water, but you do need to be able to produce normal human urine with the appropriate creatinine and specific gravity levels.  Failure to provide a valid sample many times may cause suspicion.

If you attempt to adulterate your specimen by adding fluids to your urine specimen, this should never be done and could be grounds for termination of employment or perhaps not getting the job.

In most cases, it is best if you go for the drug test first thing in the morning.  Drinking some coffee and a glass of water should suffice and try and remember to not overconsume water or other fluids.

How Can I Avoid A Dilute Specimen Result?

Follow these simple guidelines as a participant providing a urine sample to avoid a dilute urine specimen result.

  • Avoid all diuretics—including caffeine—the day of the drug test until AFTER the collection is done.
  • Go to the collection site while the first morning urine is still in your bladder to use this as the specimen.
  • If this is NOT possible than you should empty your bladder approximately 2 hours prior to your planned arrival at the collection site.
  • During that time, you should NOT consume more than 24 oz. of fluid and the fluid you do consume should be a substantial fluid—milk, smoothie, tomato juice—and/or you eat a protein high meal or snack—egg, cheese, meat.

By following these guidelines, you will help to avoid dilute and abnormal urine and ensure that the result of your test provides a valid indicator that you are drug free.

 

Dilute Specimen FAQ:

May a DOT regulated employer have a policy of declining to hire applicants who have a negative dilute test result on a pre-employment drug test?

ANSWER:

• The Department’s rules do not require an employer to hire anyone. That decision is an employer’s.

• While §40.197(b) authorizes an employer to obtain one additional test following a negative dilute result (in pre-employment or other testing situations), a negative dilute test result is a valid negative test for DOT’s purposes.

• Because a negative dilute test result is a negative test for DOT program purposes, the employer is authorized to have the applicant begin performing safety-sensitive functions.

• If the employer declines to hire the applicant in this situation, the employer’s decision is based solely on its own policy. The employer cannot claim that its action is required or authorized by DOT rules.

Schedule Drug Tests Online

For more information call us today at 800-221-4291

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What to expect when expecting-the effects of alcohol and drug abuse?

Using drugs or drinking alcohol any time in life but especially while pregnant can create several health issues for both the mother and unborn child.

Some examples are an increased risk of stillbirth and miscarriage which are just two of the harsher examples of the potential complications faced by pregnant women that may be already struggling with substance abuse.

Regardless of the negative consequences and all the research to substantiate theses harsh facts, many continue to use these harmful substances regardless. Here are some astonishing numbers to illustrate the ongoing issue:

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) from 2012-2013, approximately 10% of pregnant women in the U.S. reported drinking alcohol and, though much of it is done to manage other health conditions, it’s increasingly more common for women to continue using medications while carrying a child.

What are Side Effects of Taking Drugs While Pregnant

Alcohol

No matter how small the amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy can cause a negative impact on the mother and unborn child.  According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism any amount of drinking is considered at risk alcohol use throughout pregnancy.

The consumption of alcohol may:

  • Increase your risk of miscarriage and
  • may result in several development issues in your child like fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or
  • Alcohol related birth defects

It is important that society understands that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, however, many pregnant women continue to consume at least some amount alcohol with the belief that a small number of drinks will be safe. This is not the case, in fact, half a million children are exposed to alcohol in utero each year.1

Cigarettes

Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can damage the health of the smoker and damage the brain of a developing fetus.  The chemicals can limit the amount of oxygen being received by the fetus and the impact of nicotine on a developing baby is greater than the impact on the mother. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nicotine concentration is up to 15% higher in the baby’s blood than the mother’s.5

Exposing your unborn child to the tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can also result in many health issues after birth, including:

  • respiratory issues,
  • cerebral palsy,
  • problems with eyesight and
  • possible issues with hearing.

Cocaine

The use of cocaine at any time is harmful but imagine the impact you are having on your unborn child.  Women that use or abuse cocaine oftentimes have poor nutrition and inadequate prenatal care. Oftentimes, cocaine users tend to use the drug in combination with other substances such as alcohol, which makes it more difficult to determine precisely which substance is responsible for the harmful effects on the fetus.5

Heroin

Using heroin while pregnant, will increase the chance of bleeding, especially during your third trimester, as well as preeclampsia (severe high blood pressure).1 This will also place your unborn child at risk for premature birth, dangerously low birth weight, and possibly death. Illicit drug use of any kind, specially heroin will also significantly increase your baby’s risk of developing neonatal abstinence syndrome shortly after birth as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), commonly referred to as crib death.

Marijuana

Marijuana can be harmful and should be avoided when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.1,5 Although there is limited data on how marijuana can affect a developing fetus, several studies indicate that using marijuana may be associated with impaired fetal development, rare forms of cancer, premature birth, and low body weight at birth.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

Research has shown that  fetal MDMA exposure during the first trimester may lead to long-term memory problems and impaired learning along with movement and coordination problems in the child.5 There have also been cases where babies exposed to MDMA while in utero developed cardiovascular anomalies and musculoskeletal problems.

Methamphetamines (Meth)

If a fetus is exposed to meth, this can results in long term health issues which may include, increased depression, anxiety, and social isolation have been reported in children exposed to meth in the womb.5 Some studies also suggest that meth use during pregnancy may be associated with congenital abnormalities, such as gastroschisis—a structural defect that can result in a baby being born with their intestines outside of the abdominal wall.

Painkillers

Expectant mothers should be cautious when taking these medication during pregnancy, even if these medications were prescribed by your physician. Opioids are commonly  refereed to as painkillers can be harmful to your developing fetus. A fetus exposed to Opioid painkillers may be linked to excessive fluid in your baby’s brain, abdominal wall defects, glaucoma, and congenital heart defects.

Since many painkillers are chemically similar to heroin, the mother and child can experience many of the same risks. Children may be born with NAS, experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms after birth

For more information call us today at (800)-224-4291 or to click the blue button below schedule a Drug or Alcohol Test Today!

Schedule Drug Tests Online

References:

  1. Forray, A. (2016). Substance use during pregnancy. F1000Research, 5(F1000 Faculty Rev), 887.
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Medications and Pregnancy: Treating for Two.
  4. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2013). Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Pregnancy.
  5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Substance Use in Women.
  6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide.
  7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). DrugFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.
  8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment.

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As one of the Nation’s leading providers of drug testing, for employers and individuals, Accredited Drug Testing is asked on a daily basis, what type of drug test should I order?  Drug testing for many employers or individual may vary and can include a 5 panel, 5 panel plus expanded opiates, 10 panel, 12 panel, 14 panel and customized tests.  Non DOT regulated employers, have the option of which type of test to use and what method such as urine or hair.

What is the New Federal 5 Panel Drug Test?

As you may be aware, the Department of Transportation(DOT) amended its rule on January 1, 2018 to now include expanded opioids to be tested under 5 panel DOT drug test.  The new DOT Panel consists of:

  • Marijuana metabolites
  • Cocaine metabolites
  • Phencyclidine
  • Opioids** – (codeine, heroin, morphine)
  • Amphetamines -amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA & MDA

** The new DOT Drug Panel also now includes hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and oxycodone. Common names for these drugs include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, and Exalgo®.

What Drugs Are Tested In A 5 Panel?

Prior to this change, the most common drug panel offered was a 5 panel which screened for the following drugs:

  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Opiates (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin)
  • PCP

With the current state of the opioid epidemic here in the United States many employers are amending their drug testing policies to mirror the current DOT drug panel.

These prescription drugs are very common, dangerous and can lead to many safety concerns for your workplace. Have you updated your policy to include these new relevant drugs of abuse?

If opioids have not impacted your workplace as of yet,it’s only a matter of time. Whether you have any employees who must adhere to the DOT’s updated regulations or you are not regulated by DOT, this drug panel update is a sign that it’s time for all employers to update their policies and testing panels to include the most relevant drugs impacting the U.S. today.

What is in a 10 Panel Drug Test?

Opioid Epidemic

A 10-panel drug test is the second most common configuration of a general type of drug testing panel.  Panel drug tests are designed to screen for numerous types of drugs from only one sample, which makes them very efficient, cost effective and ensures that employers don’t have to lose too much time from workers repeatedly giving multiple samples, and the employees themselves do not experience as much of an imposition on their time.

The industry standard 10 panel drug test, includes:

  • AMP-Amphetamines (including MAMP-Methamphetamine, MDMA-Ecstasy);
  • COC-Cocaine:
  • OPI-Opiates (including codeine, morphine and heroin);
  • PCP-Phencyclidine;
  • THC-Marijuana;
  • BZO-Benzodiazepines
  • BAR-Barbiturates;
  • MTD-Methadone;
  • PPX-Propoxyphene; and
  • Meth – Methaqualone.

Accredited Drug Testing offers a 10-panel drug test along with customized panels depending on the professional requirements a company may have.

We offer drug free workplace policy development, amendments to your current policy, customized drug test panels, occupational health testing, Full TPA services and background checks.Schedule Drug Tests OnlineFor more information on your drug free workplace program please call us today at (800)-221-4291

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New FRA Regulations Expand Drug and Alcohol Testing

What should I expect during a drug test collection?

When you walk into a collection facility, also known as a collection site, our trained and certified collectors follow strict protocol procedures to ensure that donors receive a consistent, high-quality experience.  Collectors are trained to follow a standardized process at every location to help control the integrity of the specimens and drug test results.  Oftentimes these rigorous protocols may take donors by surprise.

As a result, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published 10 helpful steps for collection site security and integrity. It is important that all parties involved have a basic understanding of what to expect during a drug test collection and  what is considered reasonable expectations of what will take place to complete a successful drug test collection.

Listed below are DOT’s top 10 Collection Site Security & Integrity steps of what individuals and employers should expect during a typical collection process.

It is important for employers/individuals to have a basic understanding/walk through of the proper collection steps throughout the specimen collection process to ensure successful completion of the specimen collection and drug testing process.

  1. Pay careful attention to employees throughout the collection process.
  2. Ensure that there is no unauthorized access into the collection areas and  that undetected access (e.g., through a door not in view) is not possible.
  3. Make sure that employees show proper picture ID.
  4. Make sure employees empty pockets; remove outer garments (e.g., coveralls, jacket, coat, and hat); leave briefcases, purses, and bags behind; and wash their hands.
  5. Maintain personal control of the specimen and Custody and Control form (CCF) at all times during the collection.
  6. Secure any water sources or otherwise make them unavailable to employees (e.g., turn off water inlet, tape handles to prevent opening faucets, secure tank lids).
  7. Ensure that the water in the toilet and tank (if applicable) has bluing (coloring) agent in it. Tape or otherwise secure shut any movable toilet tank top or put bluing in the tank.
  8. Ensure that no soap, disinfectants, cleaning agents, or other possible adulterants are present.
  9. Inspect the site to ensure that no foreign or unauthorized substances are present.
  10. Secure areas and items (e.g., ledges, trash receptacles, paper towel holders, under-sink areas, ceiling tiles) that appear suitable for concealing contaminants.

These 10 steps apply to all urine drug test collections handled by a collection site and are readily available for reference by both employees(donors), employers and collectors.

Listed Below are some common Drug Test Collections Do’s & Don’ts

 

For more information or to schedule a test please call (800)-221-4291

 

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What Is Fentanyl

Image result for fentanyl

Fentanyl is a medication used to help relieve severe ongoing pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.

Most Americans recognize fentanyl as the main cause of overdose in substance abusers. These Americans are not wrong. Fentanyl is the more deadly cousin of heroin. It is killing people by the thousands. The picture below shows a lethal dose of heroin next to a lethal dose of fentanyl. It is clear to see that Fentaynal is much stronger, in fact about 100 times stronger than heroin alone.The lethal dose of heroin is equivalent to about 30 milligrams, and the lethal dose of fentanyl is about 3 milligrams. This is enough to kill an average-sized adult male.

Let us compare numbers, we will look at the State of New Hampshire, in the year 2015.

In that year, the state saw a total of 439 drug overdoses, mostly related to opioids, and about 70% of these opioid-related deaths involved fentanyl.

The History of Fentanyl

Fentanyl was created in the 1960s by Paul Jannsen. He developed the drug by testing chemicals similar in structure to, what is known today as Demerol. When fentanyl was combined with citric acid, it formed a salt, which then entered medical use as a general anesthetic under Paul Janssens trade name Sublimaze.

In the upcoming years, fentanyl was introduced for other circumstances. By the mid-1990s, the fentanyl patch was created, followed by the fentanyl lollipop, dissolving tablets, and sublingual sprays. By the time 2012 hit fentanyl was the most widely used synthetic opioid in medicine.

Heroin VS Fentanyl

So what’s the difference? Heroin, is a derivative of Morphine, which naturally occurs within opium poppy plants, while fentanyl is man-made and (as noted before) up to 100 times more powerful than heroin.

Image result for heroin poppy plantsEssentially, these two drugs produce the same euphoric effect on the body binding themselves to the receptors of the brain and creating an impact on the respiratory system, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Image result for fentanyl chemical structure

The real difference between heroin and fentanyl arises from the differences in their chemical structure. Where they are almost identical, Fentanyl, being man-made is gets to the brain much faster than heroin, as it bypasses through the fat and tissue in the brain, it is able to reach an opioid receptor more rapidly. Once the fentanyl has reached the receptor it binds itself so tightly that only a tiny amount is enough to start the chemical chain of events the human body ignites once opioids enter its system.

The Effects Of Fentynal

With the war on drugs being in full effect, fentanyl became the perfect alternative for substance abuses. Most street fentanyl is created in underground laboratories, which use faulty measuring equipment. By the time it hits the streets, there is no telling its effect on a human body. Heroin and fentanyl look identical, most street drugs are cut with a multitude of chemicals and substances by the time a user consumes the drug. Like a game of Russian roulette, you never know if you will get the shot with the loaded gun.

Drug Testing for Fentanyl

Fentanyl does not show up in a standard 5-panel drug screen, which is the most commonly used. A standard 5-panel drug test screens for the 5 most used street drugs. MDA, PHP, Cocaine, Marijuana, and Opiates. Fentynal, being synthetic would not show up under the opiates category. A specific drug test screening for fentanyl must be requested in order to detect the drug. For more information regarding fentanyl testing, please call 1-800-221-4291, or visit www.accrediteddrugtesting.net.

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On January 1st, 2018, the revised CFR 49 Part 40 Final rule. published November 13th, 2017, will be put into effect. This rule refers to the Drug and Alcohol testing procedures and programs to all safety-sensitive employees regulated by the U.S Department Of Transportation (DOT).

For those not currently familiar with the new revisions, a few major changes are as follows

  1. A DOT drug test will now test for Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana, PCP, Opiates, Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone, and Oxycodone.
  2. Blind specimen testing is no longer required.
  3. Removing MDEA as a confirmatory test analyte from the existing drug-testing panel and adding MDA as an initial test analyte.

DOT Service Agents and DOT covered employers are starting to prepare for the impacts on the industry due to these changes.

CCF Forms

Which Federal Custody and Control Form may be used for DOT regulated testing on January 1, 2018, when the Rule becomes effective?

  • A revised Federal Custody and Control Form (CCF) was issued for federal drug testing in August of 2017.
  • The August 2017 CCF replaces the current 2013 version of the federal CCF and is very similar.
  • The 2017 CCF added hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone to Section 5A (primary specimen report) on CCF copy 1 and changed Section 1D to have only one block checked for a DOT agency test.
  • The 2017 federal CCF cannot be used for DOT testing before January 1, 2018.
  • Laboratories will begin distributing the 2017 CCFs to collections sites and/or employer sites on January 1, 2018.

    SAPPA has partnered up with industry officials and testing laboratories to create the general understanding that the newly revised CCF forms will be issued out and cannot be used for testing until after January 1st, 2018. The revised forms may then be permitted for use for all DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing. The 2013 version of a CCF form is permitted up until the date of June 30th, 2018. At that time the 2013 version of the CCF form will be considered expired, and if used a detailed explanation of why will be requested by the laboratory.

While using the 2013 CCF form for a DOT Drug Test, MROs are required to test and report for expanded opiates. If a result is positive the MRO simply writes the name of the drug on the CCF copy two form that the specimen verified positive for.

  • MROs are permitted to report positives for the expanded opioid drugs after January 1, 2018, using the 2013 CCF copy 2.
  • MRO Sections (Step 6 & 7) of CCF Copy 2 are the same on the 2013 and 2017 CCFs. The MRO simply writes in the name of the drug(s) the specimen is verified positive for.

For any questions regarding DOT Compliance please contact Accredited Drug Testing at 800-221-4291.

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Attorney General Sessions and Acting DEA Administrator Patterson announce new efforts being made by the United States Government to follow through with the fight against the deadly Opioid Crisis in America.

On Wednesday, November 29th, 2017,  at a press release held in Washington DC, Attorney General Sessions announced three major efforts being set forth by the United States Government to combat the Opioid Crisis.

“Today we are facing the worst drug crisis in American history, with one American dying of a drug overdose every nine minutes,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.  “That’s why, under President Trump’s strong leadership, the Department of Justice has been taking action to make our drug law enforcement efforts more effective. Today we announce three new initiatives to do just that.  First, we will invest $12 million in funding for our state and local law enforcement partners to take heroin and methamphetamine off of our streets. Second, we will restructure DEA’s Field Divisions for the first time in nearly 20 years. Third, we will require all of our federal prosecutors’ offices to designate an Opioid Coordinator who will customize our anti-opioid strategy in every district in America. These steps will make our law enforcement efforts smarter and more effective—and ultimately they will save American lives.”

The hope of these efforts is to ultimately put a stop to opioid addiction, and substance abuse that has so illy affected so many Americans today.  Many independent and private sector businesses have come together in an attempt to make a change in the statistics. Despite their efforts, the number of overdoses, relapses, job loss, and so many other negative consequences substance abuse has on the lives of US citizens has continued to grow.

President Donald Trump’s strong investment in the Opioid Crisis may be exactly what America needs to overcome the battle against substance abuse.

The DEA is pouring millions into funding for newly enstated programs and task forces throughout the US to help battle the exportation and consumption of illegal drugs.

Designation of Opioid Coordinators

Every U.S. Attorney will designate an Opioid Coordinator by the close of business on Dec. 15, 2017

Each USAO Opioid Coordinator will be responsible for facilitating intake of cases involving prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl;  convening a task force of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to identify opioid cases for federal prosecution, facilitate interdiction efforts, and tailor their district’s response to the needs of the community it serves; providing legal advice and training to AUSAs regarding the prosecution of opioid offenses; maintaining statistics on the opioid prosecutions in  the district; and developing and continually evaluating the effectiveness of the office’s strategy to combat the opioid epidemic.
View the full Attorney Generals memo to the United States here.

COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force Grants and Anti-Meth Program

Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF)  
AHTF provides two years of funding directly to law enforcement agencies in states with high per capita levels of primary treatment admissions for heroin and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF) award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here.

COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP)
The state agencies receiving funding today have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies will be awarded two years of funding through CAMP to support the investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.

The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here

How does the Opioid Crisis affect you?

Related image

If you have not already experienced the impacts of the opioid crisis or substance abuse through yourself, another, be expected too. With the increase of work-related accidents due to drug or alcohol consumption, many companies are re-writing their substance abuse policies with stricter guidelines, These guidelines typically tend to include random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, and also a change to the standard 5-panel urine test to an expanded opioids drug test. Some companies are even switching to hair testing, which has proven to be more accurate.

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT), effective January 1st,  will require all employees to take a 5-panel expanded opioid drug test. The DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy issued its revision to The DOT Part 40, drug and alcohol compliance, to try to minimize the consumption of illegal substances by employees who work a safety-sensitive position.

Many states are implementing a drug testing program for recipients of food stamps, or on welfare.

In states like Michigan and California, Police have administered a program that tests for drivers on drugs. The program uses a portable saliva-testing device that can tell officers if a driver has certain drugs in his systems, such as marijuana or opiates.

Many State and Local Legislators are looking into implementing similar guidelines.

Apart from rules and guidelines due to the Opioid Crisis, many Americans are experiencing an emotional toll.

Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. The majority of drug overdose deaths involve an opioid, such as prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl. The number of overdose deaths involving opioids quadrupled since 1999. From 2000 to 2015 more than half a million people died from drug overdoses. In 2016, a reported 64,000 deaths were due to overdose.

Opioid Crisis

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A study from Quest Diagnostics revealed that 4.2 percent of the U.S. workforce tested positive for illicit drugs in 2016, the highest rate since 2004. Substance Abuse in America is on the rise.

Today more then ever, people are aware of the negative impact substance abuse has on the economy.

Some say this trend is due to the opioid epidemic President Donald Trump has declared as a public health emergency. Blaming large pharmaceutical companies for pushing these products upon doctors and patients.

 

It is not just opioids that have been on the rise as the culprit of a positive drug test. A study done by Quest Diagnostics revealed that positive urine tests for cocaine increased for the fourth consecutive year, reaching a 12% increase in 2016.

FACT Image result for check mark

Drugs are negatively affecting the economy.

FACTImage result for check mark

You do not have to use drugs to feel the negative effects of a drug user.

FACTImage result for check mark

There are ways to stop this epidemic.

Substance Abuse and The Economy

Productivity losses are calculated as work that would be reasonably expected to have been done if not for drug use (a loss of potential income and output and therefore GDP) as a result of a reduction in the supply or effectiveness of the workforce. Lost productivity in the United States as a result of labor non-participation is a significant $120 billion dollars.

 

Drugs in the workplace have an extremely high cost for the employer. It is often the cause of workplace injuries and accidents. Drug abuse costs employers 81 billion dollars per year.

Effects of Substance Abuse

One of the main reasons why a potential employee is not able to become hired is the fact that they can not pass a drug test. This reason has lead employers to hire refugees that have come to America, to take the place of U.S citizens. Most refugees that come to America don’t even know what drugs are. In the United States, drug use is often talked about and almost glorified through music, social media, and other aspects of life. The percentage of American workers testing positive for illegal drugs has climbed steadily over the last three years to its highest level in a decade.

refugee workplace

Pictured above is Talib Alzamel, a 45-year-old Syrian refugee who works at Sterling Technologies, a plastic molding company based near the shores of Lake Erie.

This is just one of the major effects substance abuse has brought to America.

Preventing Substance Abuse

“We can be the generation that ends the opioid epidemic.”. words that were spoken by President Donald Trump when he declared the Opioid Epidemic a public health emergency.

There are many ways to prevent drug abuse.

Stay up to date with your workplace substance abuse policies.
workplace substance abuse policy

As an employer, you can create a drug-free workplace program, that in most cases will benefit not only you as an employer but your employees as well.

Prevention not punishment

The key to ending this epidemic may just be to prevent further drug use. Knowledge of addiction and substance abuse help plays a key factor.

Drug Test Employees Regularly

The largest, most well-known companies in America all do one thing in common. Pre-employment drug screenings. As well as pre-employment screenings, most companies do random drug testing and reasonable suspicion drug testing.

Drug abuse in America is on a rise. What ways do you think you can help?

 

 

 

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Medical and recreational use of marijuana has become a growing trend in America. It is an extremely hot topic and has become the center of many biased discussions among US politicians.

Where is Marijuana Legal?

The use, possession, trade, cultivation, and transportation of marijuana is still illegal under federal law in the United States. Because of this, some states are have implemented their own regulations with regards to marijuana use.

 

States with legal recreational marijuana: 

1. Alaska

2. California

3. Colorado

4. Oregon

5.Massachusets

6. Nevada

7. Washington

States with medical marijuana: 

1. Alaska 2. Arizona 3. Arkansas
4. California 5. Colorado 6. Connecticut
7. Delaware 8. Florida 9. Hawaii
10. Illinois 11. Maine 12. Maryland
13. Massachusetts 14. Michigan 15. Minnesota
16. Montana 17. Nevada 18. New Hampshire
19. New Jersey 20. New Mexico 21. New York
22. North Dakota 23. Oregon 24. Pennsylvania
25. Rhode Island 26. Vermont 27. Washington

 

Cannabis is categorized under Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. It is because of this reason that cannabis remains illegal at the federal level.

Marijuana in the workplace

Image result for Marijuana in the workplace

While some point out advantages of marijuana use and its effectiveness treating medical issues, others point out the high-risk effects marijuana may have. Some proven effects of medical marijuana in the workplace include

1.Loss of productivity
2.Absenteeism
3.Increased risks of workplace injuries and accidents.

Loss of Productivity

Scientists have confirmed cannabis really does make people lose motivation. Research has confirmed long-term use of the drug affects the dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine, also known as the “happy” “feel-good” chemical of the brain is what inspires a person to get up and go. Levels of dopamine in a part of the brain called the striatum – found towards the side of the brain and involved in motivation – were lower in regular cannabis users. A recent study has suggested that individuals who have participated in long-term marijuana usage became more withdrawn, lethargic, and apathetic.

Absenteeism

Cannabis contains at least 60 types of cannabinoids, chemical compounds that act on receptors throughout our brain. THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuanas effects, including the euphoric high. THC resembles another cannabinoid naturally produced in our brains, anandamide, which regulates our mood, sleep, memory, and appetite.

Injuries and Accidents

Marijuana impairs attentiveness, motor coordination, and reaction time. It also impacts the perception of time and speed. A study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse has found that marijuana negatively impacts driving performance, and other researchers have found that acute use of the drug increases the risk of crashes and fatal collisions. The drug has also been known to alter decision making, creating a disillusion of one’s morality, and knowing right from wrong.

Whats Next?

The legality of medical marijuana in the workplace continues to be an endless debate. Although the medical, or recreational use of marijuana is legal- most workplaces are still upholding their Drug-Free Workplace Policies. The most common reason for this being the safety aspect of allowing the use of marijuana among employees, knowing the potential risks.Policy makers are developing new regulations to uphold company values while new state laws are put into effect.

If you are interested in becoming a Drug-Free Workplace or need help writing a Company Substance Abuse Policy, visit us at www.accrediteddrugtesting.net.