What drug does Integrity Sampling detect in the workplace more than any other? What age group is most likely to provide a positive workplace drug and alcohol testing result? Which industry records the most number of positive test results?
For the answers to these – and many other – questions, download Integrity Sampling’s National Laboratory Test Statistics 2022 Report.
The report contains exclusive insights into our workplace drug and alcohol testing results. Some of the highlights from the report include:
- Cannabis – or more correctly its primary psychoactive constituent THC – was the most prevalent substance in positive cases in our 2022 drug and alcohol testing. In fact, nearly half of all the positive test results were for cannabis.
- The list of drugs that can be detected by Integrity Sampling’s workplace drug and alcohol testing includes THC, methamphetamines, amphetamines, cocaine, morphine, heroin, benzodiazepine, MDA and alcohol.
- While some would think alcohol would be a big contributor to positive results, it’s not highly prevalent. In 2022, alcohol accounted for less than three percent of overall positive results.
- It’s not necessarily the young that are more likely to provide positive test results. In 2022, the leading age groups for positive test results was equally shared between the 31 to 35 and the 36 to 40 year old age groups.
- When it comes to industry, the warehousing sector had the highest proportion of positive drug and alcohol testing across all industries. Warehousing alone accounted for nearly 25 per cent of positive tests during 2022.
To explore the influences of drug types, age, industry, occupation and other factors in testing results, download the 2022 report.
Cannabis high not surprising
If you’re surprised that cannabis was the most common drug detected in workplace drug and alcohol testing during 2022, you shouldn’t be.
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Australia. Thirty-five per cent of Australians aged 14 and over have used cannabis in their lifetime and more than ten per cent have used the drug in the previous year.
Roadside drug testing in all states and territories can also detect cannabis and the drug is a common contributor to positive test results. Unfortunately, it’s also prevalent in fatal incidents. In a recent two year period in Victoria, 15 per cent of drivers and motorbike riders killed had THC in their blood samples.
Alcohol positives not all negative
You also shouldn’t be surprised that alcohol is not a more significant contributor to our workplace drug and alcohol testing results. While alcohol use is still a concern in workplaces – as it is on our roads – it is heartening to see the trend over the years coming down.
This is most likely the result of years of education of the dangers of alcohol on our roads, which has led to a cultural change. While 40 years or more ago it was a regular occurrence for people to drive home over the limit, these days it’s far less common.
In a recent ten year period, in our two most populous states, NSW and Victoria, the rate of positive tests had dropped from .65% to .28% and .55% to .29% respectively.
Age appropriate
Another positive aspect to highlight when it comes to community statistics is a reduction in use of alcohol in young people.
In a recent National Drug Strategy Household Survey, it was found that younger Australians typically drink alcohol less frequently than older Australians. This is positive, but it’s offset by the fact that those aged 18 to 24 generally consume more standard drinks on any day they drink than other age groups. In other words, while they don’t drink as often, younger Australians are more likely to binge drink.
When it comes to cannabis, there’s little positive news when it comes to younger people. The same national survey found that the 18 to 24 age group was most likely to have used cannabis in the past 12 months, past month, and past week.
Sobering stuff!
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What drug does Integrity Sampling detect in the workplace more than any other?
