Quest Diagnostics has reported a troubling trend regarding drug use in the workplace, following an analysis of over 8 million drug tests conducted nationwide. While the overall positivity rate for workplace drug tests decreased slightly from 4.6% to 4.4%, the company observed a significant rise in fentanyl positivity among individuals tested post-employment as opposed to pre-employment.
The findings from Quest Diagnostics highlight a critical shift in drug usage patterns, particularly in random drug screenings. These tests are conducted on current employees who have already passed their pre-employment screenings, revealing that more workers are turning to the highly addictive opioid fentanyl after securing employment.
Expert Insights on the Trend
Responses from Colorado addiction specialists Dr. Rob Valuck and Steve Carleton reflect a consensus that this trend aligns with broader drug use behaviors. Carleton, representing Porch Light Health, noted, “This isn’t surprising. It’s sort of based on what we know about drug trends and drug use.”
Both experts attribute the increase in fentanyl use to the prevalence of counterfeit pills on the street. Carleton explained, “When you’re buying substances on the street, they’re counterfeit pills. You think you’re buying OxyContin or Xanax, but in reality, you’re buying fentanyl.” This highlights the dangers of drug consumption from unreliable sources, which can lead to severe addiction or overdose.
Dr. Valuck, affiliated with the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at the CU School of Pharmacy, expressed concern over the expanding presence of fentanyl in various environments. He noted that the rising prevalence of fentanyl has prompted significant regulatory changes. As of this year, all laboratories conducting federal workplace drug testing are now required to include fentanyl in their testing panels. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation is also taking steps to implement similar requirements.
Fentanyl and Overdose Statistics
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a decline in fentanyl-related deaths, with a reduction from 76,282 deaths in 2023 to 48,422 in 2024. Carleton credits part of this decrease to improved education and increased access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
The findings from Quest Diagnostics serve as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding drug use in the workplace. With fentanyl becoming increasingly common among employees following pre-employment screenings, both regulators and employers will need to stay vigilant in addressing this public health concern. The evolving landscape of drug use highlights the importance of continued education, testing, and support for those struggling with addiction.
