Prescription Drug Use LECET Directors’ Council Meeting, May 3, 2012

Jamie F. BeckerAssociate Director, Health Promotion, LHSFNA

Prescription Drug Misuse: A Concerning Trend

• While most people take prescription medications responsibly for the reasons for which the medications were prescribed, there has been an increasing trend in non-therapeutic use of pharmaceuticals.

Prescription Drugs Most Commonly Abused

• Opioids– Treat pain– OxyContin, Vicodin, Demorol

• Central Nervous System Depressants– Treat anxiety and sleep disorders– Nembutal, Valium, Xanax

• Stimulants– Treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)– Ritalin, Adderall

Prescription Drugs at WorkA November 18, 2010, report by Quest Diagnostics found:

• Between 2005 and 2009, there was a 40 percent increase of positive workplace drug-tests for prescription opiate pain killers.

• Eighteen percent of the increase occurred between 2008 and 2009.

• Workers who were tested in the wake of an accident in the workplace were four times more likely to test positive for opioids than they did before their hire date.

Type of Panel

Tests for:

5-panel Amphetamine (meth, speed)

THC(cannabinoids, marijuana, hash)

Cocaine (coke, crack)

Opiates(heroin, opium, codeine, morphine)

Phencyclidine(PCP, angel dust)

8-panel 5-panel plus: Barbiturates Benzodiazepines(Valium®, Xanax®)

Methaqualones(Quaaludes)

10-panel 8-panel plus: Methadone Propoxyphene

Current Drug Test Panels

Drug Testing Advisory Board Recommendations

• Inclusion of additional Schedule II prescription medications in the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Guidelines

(expanded opiates panel)– Oxycodon– Oxymorphone– Hydrocodone– Hydromorphone

Can an Employer Inquire About Prescription Drug Use???

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 states that “questions regarding medication use are appropriate

only if the employer can demonstrate that it is job-related

and consistent with business necessity.”

Q: Would you want to know if an employee were using this drug?

When using this product do not use more than directed. Marked drowsiness may occur. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness. Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.

How about this one?

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or participate in any other possibly dangerous activities. ______ can make you sleepy. Do not drink alcohol while using _____. It may increase the chance of getting dangerous side effects. Do not take other medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Bates v. Dura Automotive Systems

• In a landmark case, a Tennessee company, Dura Automotive Systems (DAS), fired employees who tested positive for hydrocodone (a pain killer), even if they were taking it under a doctor’s supervision. DAS was acting on the decision that certain prescription drugs create a hazardous situation in the workplace. Several fired workers sued Dura for discrimination and invasion of privacy.

Warning Signs of Potential Prescription Drug Abuse

• You take more pain medication than your doctor has prescribed.

• You request prescriptions from multiple doctors.

• You use alcohol or other medications to increase the effects of the pain medication.

• You take pain medication to deal with other problems, such as anxiety or stress.

• Your doctor, friends or loved ones express concern about your use of pain medication.

Prescription Drug Treatment Resources

• Laborers’ Member Assistance Programs (MAP), which are included in some health and welfare plans

• Self-help groups• Outpatient counseling• Day treatment programs• Residential programs• Prescription drug abuse hotline, 866-784-8911 “CRC Resource Center”