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National drug testing statistics: current trends and key findings

Many employers utilize drug and alcohol testing as a method to qualify as a drug free workplace under state law. In addition, many employers throughout the United States, utilize Accredited Drug Testing as their third-party administrator (TPA), to schedule at a drug test location nationwide. In addition, many persons who are on probation, also utilize Accredited Drug Testing to find a drug test location throughout the US, when needing a drug or alcohol test due to a court order. Listed below is various information and statistics relating to drug testing and how to find a drug test location.

National drug testing statistics reveal important trends related to drug use in the workplace and the broader population in the US. Here's a summary of recent findings:

1. Workplace drug testing

  • Overall Positivity Rate: The overall drug positivity rate in the combined US workforce remained steady at 4.6% in 2023, marking the highest level in over two decades. This represents a significant increase from the low of 3.5% between 2010 and 2012.
  • Marijuana Positivity: Marijuana positivity continues to be a major factor in these statistics, reaching 4.5% in the general US workforce in 2023. This trend is particularly evident in states where recreational marijuana use is legal, with a 5.7% positivity rate in 2022.
  • Post-Accident Positivity: Post-accident marijuana positivity is a growing concern, showing a substantial increase of 114.3% between 2015 and 2023. In 2023, the post-accident positivity rate for marijuana in the general US workforce was 7.5%.
  • Tampering Attempts: Attempts to tamper with drug tests surged in 2023, with substituted urine specimens increasing by over 600% and invalid urine specimens rising by 45.2%. This indicates a growing effort to subvert testing protocols, according to Quest Diagnostics Newsroom.
  • Industry-Specific Trends:
    • Industries like Retail Trade (7.0%), Accommodation and Food Services (6.5%), and Transportation & Warehousing (5.5%) show higher positivity rates than the national average.
    • Office-based industries, such as Real Estate and Lending, Professional Services, Education Services, and Public Administration, also experienced increases in positivity rates in 2023.
    • Post-accident testing positivity for marijuana and other drugs like cocaine and semi-synthetic opiates has shown faster increases than pre-employment testing over the past five years.
  • Pre-employment Testing: While the percentage of jobs requiring pre-employment drug tests is generally below 2%, certain sectors, including government and healthcare, are more likely to mandate such testing. Studies suggest a correlation between pre-hire testing and lower post-accident positivity rates, indicating that pre-employment screening can serve as a deterrent.

2. Broader substance use trends (NSDUH data)

  • Illicit Drug Use: The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides comprehensive data on substance use in the civilian noninstitutionalized US population aged 12 and over. In 2022, 16.5% of people aged 12 or older used an illicit drug in the past month.
  • Marijuana as the Most Used Illicit Drug: In 2022, marijuana remained the most commonly used illicit drug, with 22.0% of people aged 12 or older (61.9 million) using it in the past year.
  • Changes in Use: Between 2021 and 2024, past-year use of substances like cocaine and prescription opioid misuse declined, while marijuana and hallucinogen use increased.

3. Drug testing methods

  • Urine and Oral Fluid Testing: Urine tests are widely considered the gold standard for drug testing, offering high accuracy and a longer detection window. Oral fluid tests (mouth swabs) are also gaining popularity due to their ease of use and difficulty in tampering, with around 98% accuracy. However, their detection windows are typically shorter than urine tests.
  • Blood and Hair Follicle Testing: Blood tests provide high accuracy and can detect recent substance use, while hair follicle tests offer a longer detection window of up to 90 days.
  • Confirmatory Tests: Drug screenings, while rapid and cost-effective, can produce false positives or negatives, necessitating confirmatory tests for accuracy.

At Accredited Drug Testing, we offer a full range of professional drug and alcohol testing services designed to meet the needs of employers, individuals, legal professionals, and government agencies. With testing locations nationwide, we provide convenient access to reliable, certified testing, whether you require a pre-employment screening, random drug test, DOT-compliant test, or court-ordered service.

Our services include DOT and non-DOT drug testing, alcohol testing, hair follicle testing, EtG alcohol screens, and lab-based urine testing, all performed in accordance with federal and industry standards. We are experienced in meeting the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT), including FMCSA, FAA, PHMSA, FTA, and FRA regulations. We also provide consortium enrollment, random selection programs, and supervisor training for workplace compliance.

Accredited Drug Testing takes pride in delivering fast, accurate results and exceptional customer service. All tests are processed by SAMHSA-certified laboratories, and we offer Medical Review Officer (MRO) verification when needed. Whether you're an employer looking to maintain a safe, drug-free workplace or an individual in need of testing for personal or legal reasons, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

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Mobile/On-Site Drug Testing

If you're an employer needing to test 25 or more employees and looking to save time and money, we offer mobile on-site drug testing where we come to you. Call us today for more information.

Nationwide Drug Resources

SAMHSA National Helpline
Free 24/7 helpline for treatment referrals and mental health support.

FindTreatment.gov
Search nationwide for treatment centers by zip code or city name.

USA.gov – Substance Abuse Help
Official resource for addiction help, hotlines, and recovery info.

DEA Recovery Resources
Federal site offering addiction education and treatment resources.

NIDA – Recovery Resources
Research-based info and tools for recovery from drug dependence.

CDC – Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
CDC page with overdose prevention and addiction treatment info.

National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Support for families managing addiction and child welfare issues.

NASADAD – Federal Resources
Links to national programs focused on drug abuse and recovery.

Addiction Related Resources
Directory of national addiction treatment and prevention links.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Peer support meetings for those recovering from drug addiction.

SMART Recovery
Group recovery program based on science and self-empowerment.

Recovered
Find rehab centers, addiction guides, and recovery assistance.

At Accredited Drug Testing, we offer a full range of professional drug and alcohol testing services designed to meet the needs of employers, individuals, legal professionals, and government agencies. With testing locations nationwide, we provide convenient access to reliable, certified testing, whether you require a pre-employment screening, random drug test, DOT-compliant test, or court-ordered service.

Our services include DOT and non-DOT drug testing, alcohol testing, hair follicle testing, EtG alcohol screens, and lab-based urine testing, all performed in accordance with federal and industry standards. We are experienced in meeting the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT), including FMCSA, FAA, PHMSA, FTA, and FRA regulations. We also provide consortium enrollment, random selection programs, and supervisor training for workplace compliance.

Accredited Drug Testing takes pride in delivering fast, accurate results and exceptional customer service. All tests are processed by SAMHSA-certified laboratories, and we offer Medical Review Officer (MRO) verification when needed. Whether you're an employer looking to maintain a safe, drug-free workplace or an individual in need of testing for personal or legal reasons, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

(800) 221-4291