The history of drug testing

get creative! So today we thought we’d bring you something a little different, and provide an interesting look into how drug testing has become such a significant part of pre-employment screening. Check out some interesting information below on the history of drug testing – where it came from, what it’s all about and how it became so important to businesses… Science Interestingly, the chemical and scientific capabilities that now allow us to determine drug use came to the fore back in World War II. This great resource tells us: “Back in World War II, physics and chemistry became big business when building bombs and causing destruction became billion dollar commodities. Research on the atom led scientists to (be able to start) positively identifying specific molecules as components of different mysterious chemicals”. However, “at first, the War Department didn’t think about applying this new science to humans. Only a small group of physicians saw the potential for forensic applications and diagnostic needs…the equipment was expensive and limited to specialized hospitals and research facilities. For many years, this new technology lay dormant”. Modern Implementation Such science was investigated for human use in the US during the Vietnam War, as “the Defense Department was afraid the widespread heroin use among soldiers fighting in Vietnam would explode in the States when the troops returned. Something had to be done, and the solution lay in finding methods of screening soldiers for heroin addiction”. Drug testing in the workplace really started coming into play in the 1980’s, as part of an effort to combat the “War on Drugs” that was instituted by the Reagan administration. Prior to that, there was no standard for drug testing in the workplace, school or even in sports.” By this stage, according to testcounty.org, “many companies, particularly those that were involved in industries where workers under the influence of an illegal substance could harm others, began testing for drugs.” Where are we today? Now, drug testing is an integral part of many companies and industries. With drug abuse in the workplace costing businesses an estimated $100 billion a year in America – employers have realized just how important drug testing can be as a way to protect their business. There are many different types of drug testing, which allow employers to ensure their workforce remains productive and – ultimately – allow their business remains profitable. If you would like further information on drug testing, and how you can help implement it your place of work, reach out to Mind Your Business today. We’d be happy to hear from you!]]>