AlphaBiolabs USA Blog
Study reveals shocking number of employed adults in the US struggling with addiction
Research from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 60% of Americans battling drug or alcohol addiction also have a job. What’s more, construction, mining and the food and hospitality industries employ the most individuals struggling with substance-use disorders.
Another study found that many individuals refrain from acknowledging they might have a problem or even asking for help for fear of losing their job or being judged at work.
In the United States, it is estimated that more than 27 million people are using illicit drugs or misusing prescription drugs. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics has found that half of all people aged 12 and over have used illicit drugs at least once in their lifetime.
25.4% of illegal drug users have a drug disorder and 20.4% of US adults have an alcohol use disorder. Since 2000, there have been nearly 1 million drug overdose deaths.
The signs and symptoms of substance misuse
As a leading drug and alcohol testing laboratory, we understand all too well the impact that substance misuse can have on people’s day-to-day lives and these statistics highlight a growing problem in the US.
What’s more, substance-use disorders don’t just impact individuals themselves and their families, but the businesses employing them also lose enormous sums of money every year as a result of absenteeism.
For this reason, it is important that people can spot the signs of substance misuse, in order to get a friend, colleague or family member the help they need.
The most common signs of a person misusing drugs include:
- Changes in physical appearance such as sudden weight loss or gain, or a lack of personal hygiene
- Changes in behavior including wanting more privacy
- Difficulties at work including declining performance and attendance
- A lack of energy
- Defensive behavior when asked about substance use
- Changes in appetite
- Spending more money than usual or asking to borrow more money
If you are worried about someone you know and you think they might be misusing substances, it is important to approach the conversation calmly and emphasize that you simply want to support them in getting the help they need.
Where can I buy a drug test?
AlphaBiolabs offers a range of easy-to-use home drug tests, designed to give you peace of mind or enable you to seek support for a friend or loved one who has been misusing drugs.
Simply choose our Home Drug & Alcohol Nail Test ($99) or our Home Urine Drug Test Kit ($34.95) and order your test online now.
If you have a question or would like advice on which test is best for you, call our friendly Customer Services team on 727-325-2902, email info@alphabiolabsusa.com, or use our live chat to speak to a support specialist.
Please be aware that our home drug test kits are for peace of mind only, and the results cannot be used in court.
