Alcohol, Drugs & Impairment

Madison, NJ – Drug use among U.S. workers has declined substantially since the Drug-Free Workplace Act was signed into law 25 years ago, but use of certain drugs is on the rise, according to Quest Diagnostics, a provider of drug-testing services.

Washington – Speeding remains the largest contributing factor in fatal crashes involving drivers of large trucks, according to a new report of 2011 data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Ann Arbor, MI – A new study from the University of Michigan found that about 1 out of 10 teens and young adults visiting the emergency department reported having misused prescription medication.

Silver Spring, MD – The Food and Drug Administration is urging consumers to avoid unsafe online pharmacies as part of a new campaign.

Springfield, VA – The Drug Enforcement Administration will be hosting National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 26.

New York – A new study from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health concluded that drivers who test positive for drugs were 3 times as likely as those who test negative to be involved in a fatal crash.

Gainesville, FL – Work stress is one factor driving prescription drug abuse among doctors, according to a new study from the University of Florida.

Ann Arbor, MI – While some impaired driving and riding behaviors have decreased among high school seniors over time, driving under the influence of marijuana may be increasing, according to a new study from the University of Michigan.

Atlanta – At least 200,000 of the deaths from heart disease and stroke that occur each year could be prevented by lifestyle changes, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New York – Quitting smoking may reduce heart attack risk to the same level as non-smokers, according to a study from Weill Cornell Medical College.