DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE - SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

In a recent article in the Journal of Drug Issues (fall 1992), Crow an d Hartman raised a number of questions concerning the magnitude of dru g use in the workplace, the efficacy of drug-screening programs, and t he use of employment testing in general. Although these authors raised some useful issues, they may have overstated their case. In the prese nt article the author comments on the extent of the drug problem in th e workplace and points out an additional, well-designed study that did conclude drug testing may be cost-effective. Similarly, recent federa l civil rights laws,may have less effect on drug- testing programs tha n suggested by Crow and Hartman. Finally, employment testing is far mo re valid and unbiased than suggested by Crow and Hartman.