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 Alcohol a “Buzzkill” in Your Life? (April, 2021)
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)
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

Medications to Help Battle Addiction (May, 2015)
Marijuana: Safety First, Still No Workplace Green Light (March, 2018)
DEA Removes Hurdle for Opioid Addiction Treatment (March, 2018)
Choosing the Right Drug or Alcohol Rehab Facility (April, 2018)
The State of Marijuana in the U.S. in 2015 (February, 2015)
Fighting for All Workers on Workers’ Memorial Day (April, 2019)
Actor’s Death Shows the Dangers of Detoxing Alone (August, 2017)
The Top 10 LHSFNA Articles of 2018 (January, 2019)
Sex, Gambling, Food, Shopping and the Internet (November, 2008)
Medications Can Help Break Tobacco Habit (February, 2008)
The Top 10 LHSFNA Articles of 2017 (January, 2018)
Don’t Miss out on the Benefits of Member Assistance Programs (February, 2017)
Too Much Alcohol Can Lead to High Blood Pressure (May, 2014)
Know the Signs of Substance Addiction (October, 2008)
Will Shocking Images on Cigarette Packs Discourage Smoking? (February, 2011)
Thinking about Taking a Sleep Medication? (December, 2016)
Confronting Canada’s Opioid Crisis with Assistance from LIUNA (May, 2018)
Safely Dispose of Unused Medications Now to Prevent Unsafe Use Later (April, 2019)
Recognizing Warning Signs as Teen Suicide Rises (July, 2019)
Health & Safety Headlines (August, 2019)