Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates for 2015

Quest Diagnostics, a large independent testing lab, reported that in 2013, after 10 years of decline, drug test positivity is on the rise fueled primarily from the use of marijuana and amphetamines. Even though the aviation workforce has a very low positive drug and alcohol test rate compared to the total workforce in the United States, there must be no tolerance—absolutely zero—for alcohol and drug use in aviation. Testing does have a deterrent effect but alone will not solve this problem. Effective programs must also include strategies to identify and treat those who abuse drugs and alcohol.