Drug and alcohol testing in Queensland for all ages

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Who’s the most likely to fail drug or alcohol testing in Queensland, on our roads or in the workplace?

If your answer is that it’s young people who are more likely to be irresponsible and get behind the wheel or go to work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you’re not alone. You might even narrow this down further believing its young males that are most at fault.

But the reality in Queensland, and in the rest of Australia, isn’t as clear-cut as this. In fact, it’s fair to say that when it comes to drugs and alcohol abuse and misuse there is no discrimination. Your sex, age, race or social status will not dictate whether you’re more likely to use and abuse alcohol or drugs.

For example:

  • Recently in Howard, in the Fraser Coast region of Queensland, a 40-year-old woman was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. The alarming thing is that it’s alleged the woman’s blood alcohol level was 0.246, around 5 times over the limit, and she was on her way to pick up her two kids from day care.
  • In another incident, a woman was allegedly found driving under the influence of the drug ICE. What’s even more concerning is that in the car with her were a toddler and a baby, both of whom were not restrained.

While specific examples from workplace drug and alcohol testing aren’t available due to confidentiality, what Integrity Sampling can say is that these types of incidents are not isolated to the roads. Drug and alcohol testing carried out by Integrity Sampling in Queensland and other branches throughout Australia regularly catch the young, middle aged and old; men and women; from all backgrounds and social statuses.

Parents to face random drug testing

In other Queensland news, parents of at-risk children will face mandatory random drug testing if they’re suspected of drug use.

In making the announcement, Queensland Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said the drug testing will be carried out for those parents involved in an Intervention with Parental Agreement. The move follows a high number of reports from Child Safety officers of parents using ICE, which obviously makes them less able to care for their children and keep them safe.

“This is about keeping kids safe,” said Minister Fentiman. “If mum and dad aren’t up to the job because they are using drugs, we will take action.”

Drug and alcohol testing in Queensland workplaces

If you’re considering implementing drug and alcohol testing in your Queensland workplace, give Integrity Sampling a call on 1300 SALIVA. We conduct workplace drug and alcohol testing from 6 Queensland branches, including Brisbane, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville and Winton. Go to our Queensland branches page for more information.

Drug and alcohol abuse and misuse doesn’t discriminate, which is why drug and alcohol testing is for all ages, sexes and social statuses.

By John

John is the Queensland Manager of Integrity Sampling QLD and is based in the Brisbane office. Integrity Sampling provides its range of drug and alcohol management services, including drug and alcohol testing, right across the state. You can connect with John Lorenzen on LinkedIn

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