DRUGSTORES AND PHARMACIES
ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTS SOLD BY DRUGSTORES AND PHARMACIES
Drugstores and pharmacies both sell medicines, although pharmacies distinguish themselves from drugstores by selling prescription-only and some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Drugstores, meanwhile, carry OTC drugs and certain other healthcare products, along with beauty products, food items, and various other consumer goods.
In any case, both drugstores and pharmacies can—and should—sell tests and screening kits to detect alcohol, illicit drugs, and other substances deemed harmful to the human body. This is a way to help combat the nationwide substance-use and -abuse problem, which causes the nation to lose at least $740 billion annually and countless lives.
When drugstores and pharmacies dispense alcohol and drug testing products, not only do they carry out a social obligation; they also generate more income.
The Drugstore and Pharmacy Industry and the Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders
The drugstore and pharmacy industry earns an estimated $313 billion a year. It is expected to grow bigger in the coming years due to a number of factors, including increasing healthcare needs and the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs).
SUDs involve prohibited drugs, non-medically administered prescription drugs, alcohol, and even tobacco. These affect people of all ages, from all walks of life. The direct and indirect victims include the substance users themselves, their families and neighbors, their social circles and professional networks, and the community as a whole.
In the workplace, for example, SUDs translate to poor performance, lost productivity, heightened risk of accidents, and highly insecure working conditions. Employees who suffer from alcohol or drug dependence usually have impaired judgment and the tendency to be violent. Their unpleasant behavior will likely instill fear and cause stress among their coworkers, and it will lower the morale level of the whole organization.
As the National Safety Council reports, alcohol and drug use and abuse in the workplace reduces employer revenue by about $74 billion annually. So, to protect their business interests—as well as their human resources and stakeholders—the bosses turn to screening kits. The tests will help identify employees needing treatment, disciplinary action, or, in hopeless conditions, the pink slip.
Schools and homes are a different matter altogether, with many of these are also adversely affected by SUDs.
It is during these crucial times that individuals, families, and organizations turn to suppliers and distributors of testing products, such as drugstores and pharmacies.
Alcohol and drug testing is the first step to treatment and recovery.
Statistics: SUDs in the United States
- According to the 2017 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), in 2014, 16.3 million adults (most of whom are working) were found to be heavy drinkers.
- Also according to the 2017 SAMHSA report, in 2014, 6.2 million adults (most of whom are working) were found to be into marijuana/hashish, inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine (including crack), heroin, or prescription drugs taken non-medically.
- An Office of Population Affairs report indicates that in 2017, 41% of the high school population (grades 9-12) had tried to quit using tobacco products, such as cigarettes, shisha or hookah tobacco, and electronic vapor products.
- The same Office of Population Affairs report indicates that in 2017, 13% of the high school population had been binge drinking at least once, having consumed at least 4 alcoholic drinks in a row within a couple of hours on one occasion.
- Also in 2017, 36% of the high school population had tried smoking marijuana, 6% had tried inhalants, and 5% had tried cocaine in any form. In 2015-2016, 4% had misused pain relievers on at least one occasion.
- In 2015-2016, 2% of the high school population admitted they needed but did not receive treatment for alcohol consumption, while 3% said they needed but did not receive treatment for illicit-drug use.
Types of Tests That Drugstores and Pharmacies Must Carry
Accuracy and effectiveness are key in every successful alcohol and drug screen, and these are what employers seek in the testing kits. They also want the process to be swift and simple.
The three (3) types of alcohol and drug tests are:
- Hair Follicle Alcohol and Drug Test. This can tell whether or not the prospective employee being screened has taken alcohol or drugs within 90 days of the test.
- Urine Alcohol and Drug Test. This can prove that the prospective employee being screened has imbibed alcohol or taken an illicit drug within a few days of the test.
- Saliva Alcohol and Drug Test. This is not as invasive as the Urine Drug Test, and it does not require a private room for collecting the sample. It can tell if the prospective employee being screened has used alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or amphetamine within three days of the test. It can also detect heroin, but only within a few hours of the latest usage.
What American Screening Provides Drugstores and Pharmacies
American Screening understands that households, communities, and organizations throughout the country may not always have a huge budget for alcohol and drug tests. This is why we deliver highly affordable, superior-quality screening kits straight from the manufacturer.
We understand as well that personnel assigned to perform the screening do not have the luxury of time to learn the complexities of alcohol and drug testing, which is why we provide easy-to-use products that give timely and accurate results.
To keep pace with trends in substance abuse, we also offer screening kits for synthetic drugs like K2 (also known as “spice”) and fentanyl.
We also offer nicotine/tobacco tests and steroid tests.
All our alcohol and drug testing products conform to SAMHSA standards.
For more information on how American Screening LLC can collaborate on making your organization and community alcohol and drug-free zones, please call our toll-free number: (866) 526-2873 or write us via [email protected]
We are here to serve the public nationwide and internationally!
