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

Is It Time to Reconsider Zero Tolerance Drug Testing? (February, 2021)
The Link Between Alcohol Use and Chronic Pain (February, 2021)
As More States Legalize Marijuana, Contradictions Remain (January, 2021)
Increasing Opioid Overdoses an Unfortunate Side Effect of the Pandemic (October, 2020)
How to Support People in Recovery from a Substance Use Disorder (September, 2020)
Judgment Can Be Hazardous to Someone Else’s Health (August, 2020)
Department of Transportation Raises 2020 Drug Testing Rates (April, 2020)
Maintaining Sobriety During Social Distancing (April, 2020)
Tackling Opioid Addiction One LIUNA Member at a Time (February, 2020)
Fentanyl Driving Overdoses in More Drugs than Opiates (January, 2020)
Methamphetamine Use Spiking Across the U.S. (December, 2019)
Resources to Help Address the Opioid Crisis (December, 2019)
Empathy: A Powerful Health & Safety Leadership Tool (September, 2019)
Health & Safety Headlines (August, 2019)
Recognizing Warning Signs as Teen Suicide Rises (July, 2019)
Can CBD Products Cause a Failed Drug Test? (June, 2019)
Is Naloxone in Your Jobsite’s First-Aid Kit? (October, 2018)
Cocaine, Meth and Marijuana Use Highest in a Decade (July, 2018)
Stigma: Why the Words We Use to Describe People Matter (September, 2017)
What to Do During an Opioid Overdose (December, 2016)

Substance Abuse

Good Samaritan Laws: What Exactly Do They Protect? (January, 2019)
CBD Oil: What Is It and Will It Cause a Positive Drug Test? (June, 2018)
A Referendum on Habits of Laborers? (November, 2010)
Fentanyl Driving Overdoses in More Drugs than Opiates (January, 2020)
New Drunk Driving Posters from LHSFNA (January, 2011)
Medical Marijuana Tests Drug-Free Workplace Programs (February, 2010)
Tobacco Menace Highlighted in November (November, 2007)
Maintaining Sobriety During Social Distancing (April, 2020)
Opioids and Anxiety Medications a Deadly Combination (October, 2017)
As More States Legalize Marijuana, Contradictions Remain (January, 2021)
New HIV Risk: Complacency (September, 2015)
How Likely Is It a Construction Worker Will Die from Opioids? (March, 2018)
Increasing Opioid Overdoses an Unfortunate Side Effect of the Pandemic (October, 2020)
More Construction Workers in MA Dying from Opioids Than Jobsite Hazards (September, 2018)
Energy Drinks and Alcohol: A Dangerous Mix (April, 2015)
Athlete’s Death Highlights Smokeless Tobacco Dangers (August, 2014)
Is Naloxone in Your Jobsite’s First-Aid Kit? (October, 2018)
Reducing Risk for Lower Back Injuries (December, 2018)
Stigma: Why the Words We Use to Describe People Matter (September, 2017)
Fatality Data Sheds Light on Occupational Safety and Health Trends (March, 2019)