Drug Use Among U.S. Workforce at Lowest Point Since 1988

On March 12, 2007, John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (President Bush’s “Drug Czar”), commented on the release of Quest Diagnostics’ Drug Testing Index (DTI). Since 1988, drug testing positivity rates have fallen by 72 percent, from 13.6 percent in 1988 to 3.8 percent in 2006, a new low for drug use among the combined U.S. workforce.

This data corroborates findings of a 23 percent decrease in overall youth drug use over the last five years, as measured by the Monitoring the Future Study.

“The Drug Testing Index’s findings further amplify the substance abuse success story of the past five years–we are effectively pushing back against illegal drug use,” Walters said. “With workplace positivity rates at their lowest levels since 1988, two things are clear: drug testing can effectively deter drug use, and our efforts to eliminate domestic meth labs are having a significant impact.”

According to the 2006 DTI, the number of people testing positive for methamphetamine continues to decline. In 2004, 33 of every 10,000 people tested in the general workforce were positive for methamphetamine, versus 18 of every 10,000 people tested in 2006–a 45 percent reduction.

The annual Drug Testing Index is published and coordinated by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, a leading provider of diagnostic testing and employment-related drug testing, information, and services. The DTI tested over 9 million employees and applicants in 2006, examining positivity rates of workplace drug tests throughout the United States.

For more information, visit www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.