This authoritative book examines what we know and don't know about workforce and workplace substance involvement, including popular myths about the prevalence, causes, and productivity outcomes of employee substance use.

Despite continuing interest in employee alcohol and illicit drug use, there has been little systematic and integrative dissemination of research findings. This has led to many inaccurate claims and beliefs regarding the prevalence, causes, and productivity outcomes of employee substance use. In this authoritative book, Michael R. Frone takes a close, hard look at what we know and don't know about workforce and workplace substance involvement. In doing so, he exposes the lack of evidence behind many popular myths that have persisted since the 1980s "war on drugs," including: * The myth that workplace alcohol and illicit drug use is highly prevalent * The myth that employee substance use has a strong effect on productivity, leading to high costs for employers * The myth that drug testing and employee assistance programs are proven ways for employers to deter substance use Frone's comprehensive review covers nearly all of the related research conducted over the past 20-30 years, including several national studies and government reports as well as the broader research literature. In particular, Frone analyzes methodological limitations and the tendency of many science reporters to "go beyond the data" when interpreting results. Given the need for evidence-based management and policy, this book will be a comprehensive resource for researchers and practitioners in management, occupational health, and addiction treatment/prevention.

This monograph is based upon papers presented at a conference titled "Drugs in the Workplace: Research and Evaluation Data" which was held on September 15th and 16th, 1988 in Washington, D.C. The conference was sponsored by the Office of Workplace Initiatives, National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Drug use in the workplace, its effect on performance and safety, and the role of workplace drug testing has received much attention in the popular press. But what do we actually know about this troubling issue? With an extensive and readable overview of the literature, the committee presents what we do know by examining the major issues: The extent and severity of drug use on and off the job. The strengths and weaknesses of methods for detecting drug use through standard drug tests. The effect of drug use on behavior, including the results of both laboratory and field studies that have examined work-related behavior and worker productivity. The effectiveness of interventions to deal with drug use, such as employee assistance programs, health promotion programs, and treatment programs for substance abuse. This volume will be of practical interest to human resource and employee assistance program managers, policymakers, and investigators.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration funded the multisite Young Adults in the Workplace (YIW) initiative to study the effectiveness of diverse approaches to workplace-based prevention of substance abuse. Six teams adapted evidence-based programs to target young employees and then implemented the programs in retail, restaurant, health care, construction, skilled trade, and transportation industry workplaces. This book describes the programs, the adaptation and implementation processes, and the YIW cross-site evaluation.