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

Stigma: Why the Words We Use to Describe People Matter (September, 2017)
Recovery Month – Yes, It’s a “Thing” (September, 2017)
Actor’s Death Shows the Dangers of Detoxing Alone (August, 2017)
The State of Marijuana in the U.S. in 2017 (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)
Don’t Miss out on the Benefits of Member Assistance Programs (February, 2017)
What to Ask if You Are Prescribed an Opioid (February, 2017)
Surgeon General Calls for Attitude Adjustment on Addiction (January, 2017)
Therapeutic Massage: A Pill-Free Option in Pain Management (December, 2016)
Thinking about Taking a Sleep Medication? (December, 2016)
What to Do During an Opioid Overdose (December, 2016)
Non-Drug Approaches to Managing Chronic Pain (October, 2016)
Less Red Tape for Overdose Antidote (September, 2016)
Anticipating the Impact of OSHA’s New Recordkeeping Rule on Post-Accident Drug Testing (August, 2016)
Prince’s Death Highlights Importance of Seeking Treatment (June, 2016)
Top 10 LHSFNA Articles from 2015 (January, 2016)
Drowsy Driving Is Deadly Driving (August, 2014)
Coping with Traumatic Events (February, 2013)

Substance Abuse

A Referendum on Habits of Laborers? (November, 2010)
New Drunk Driving Posters from LHSFNA (January, 2011)
A Different Approach in Battling Drug Abuse (December, 2015)
The State of Marijuana in the U.S. in 2017 (August, 2017)
Actor’s Death Shows the Dangers of Detoxing Alone (August, 2017)
Medical Marijuana Tests Drug-Free Workplace Programs (February, 2010)
Synthetic Marijuana Outmaneuvers Law and Returns to Store Shelves (February, 2012)
Cars Are Safer than Ever, so Why Are More People Dying? (July, 2017)
Pros and Cons Aside, Marijuana Use Disorder Is Real (February, 2016)
Prescription Drug Abuse (June, 2007)
New HIV Risk: Complacency (September, 2015)
Prince’s Death Highlights Importance of Seeking Treatment (June, 2016)
New Tobacco Posters from LHSFNA (January, 2009)
The Real Cost of Substance Abuse (June, 2017)
Anticipating the Impact of OSHA’s New Recordkeeping Rule on Post-Accident Drug Testing (August, 2016)
Four Keys to a Longer Life (April, 2008)
The State of Marijuana in the U.S. in 2015 (February, 2015)
DOT Amends Drug Testing Regulations for Transportation Industries (September, 2008)
Friends of Bill W. (May, 2006)
Athlete’s Death Highlights Smokeless Tobacco Dangers (August, 2014)