Substance Abuse

Substance abuse — tobacco, drugs and alcohol — is a significant concern in North American workplaces. Jobsites where Laborers work are no exception.

Tobacco

Tobacco Awareness is a long-standing LHSFNA program, and the Fund is a national leader among unions in combating tobacco use. Nevertheless, in the U.S. and Canada, Laborers smoke at twice the national average. Tobacco use contributes significantly to chronic disease and a diminished quality of life and has a direct impact on the cost of health care benefits offered through LIUNA’s health & welfare funds. Posters, brochures and other informational materials on tobacco use are available through the Fund’s online catalogue.

Drugs and Alcohol

LIUNA’s signatory employers expect workers to be "fit for duty." That includes being free of drugs and alcohol and their side effects. Drug-free workplace programs, inclusive of drug testing, can help employers keep jobsites safe.

The Health Promotion Division provides information, technical assistance, consultation and training in matters of substance abuse and drug testing, including model workplace drug testing policies, reviewing collective bargaining and other policy language and ensuring compliance with federal or state regulations. Training programs include Substance Abuse Awareness and Orientation to Worksite Drug & Alcohol Testing. Materials are available through the online catalogue. For more information, contact the Health Promotion Division at 202-6285465.

Substance Abuse Resource Links

Al-Anon (for family and friends of alcoholics)

Alcoholics Anonymous

American Council for Drug Education (Phoenix House)

Cocaine Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous

National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence

National Institute on Drug Abuse

The Partnership at Drug Free.org (Resource for parents

Substance Abuse

Choosing the Right Drug or Alcohol Rehab Facility (April, 2018)
How Likely Is It a Construction Worker Will Die from Opioids? (March, 2018)
Marijuana: Safety First, Still No Workplace Green Light (March, 2018)
DEA Removes Hurdle for Opioid Addiction Treatment (March, 2018)
Preventing Opioid Addiction Starts with Preventing Pain (January, 2018)
The Top 10 LHSFNA Articles of 2017 (January, 2018)
Department of Transportation Updates Drug Testing Guidelines (December, 2017)
Tips on Attending or Hosting Parties While in Recovery (December, 2017)
Health & Safety Headlines (November, 2017)
Opioids and Anxiety Medications a Deadly Combination (October, 2017)
Stigma: Why the Words We Use to Describe People Matter (September, 2017)
Recovery Month – Yes, It’s a “Thing” (September, 2017)
The State of Marijuana in the U.S. in 2017 (August, 2017)
Actor’s Death Shows the Dangers of Detoxing Alone (August, 2017)
Cars Are Safer than Ever, so Why Are More People Dying? (July, 2017)
The Real Cost of Substance Abuse (June, 2017)
You Don’t Have to Binge Drink to Hurt Your Health (April, 2017)
What to Ask if You Are Prescribed an Opioid (February, 2017)
Don’t Miss out on the Benefits of Member Assistance Programs (February, 2017)
An Expensive Holiday Drink (December, 2005)

Substance Abuse

A Referendum on Habits of Laborers? (November, 2010)
How Likely Is It a Construction Worker Will Die from Opioids? (March, 2018)
New Drunk Driving Posters from LHSFNA (January, 2011)
Preventing Opioid Addiction Starts with Preventing Pain (January, 2018)
A Different Approach in Battling Drug Abuse (December, 2015)
Medical Marijuana Tests Drug-Free Workplace Programs (February, 2010)
Marijuana: Safety First, Still No Workplace Green Light (March, 2018)
The Top 10 LHSFNA Articles of 2017 (January, 2018)
Energy Drinks and Alcohol: A Dangerous Mix (April, 2015)
New HIV Risk: Complacency (September, 2015)
Pros and Cons Aside, Marijuana Use Disorder Is Real (February, 2016)
Synthetic Marijuana Outmaneuvers Law and Returns to Store Shelves (February, 2012)
Prince’s Death Highlights Importance of Seeking Treatment (June, 2016)
Prescription Drug Abuse (June, 2007)
DEA Removes Hurdle for Opioid Addiction Treatment (March, 2018)
Athlete’s Death Highlights Smokeless Tobacco Dangers (August, 2014)
Four Keys to a Longer Life (April, 2008)
Department of Transportation Updates Drug Testing Guidelines (December, 2017)
New Tobacco Posters from LHSFNA (January, 2009)
Opioids and Anxiety Medications a Deadly Combination (October, 2017)