The American workplace consists primarily of small businesses. The federal government estimates that 74 percent of illegal drug users are employed; the majority work for small businesses.

Small businesses may be particularly vulnerable to problems of drug abuse among their employees because drug abusers will seek work at smaller firms where the likelihood of drug testing is slim.

Small businesses traditionally draw heavily from the pool of 18- to 34-year-old job seekers, a segment of the American population that is at the heart of a nationwide increase in illegal drug use. Among young adults age 18-20, 18 percent are current illicit drug users; 12 percent of those age 21-25 and 8 percent of those age 26-34 also are current drug users.

The future work force is also at risk for alcohol and other drug abuse. Alcohol and other drug abuse among American teens is increasing at an alarming rate—up 33 percent between 1994 and 1995; up 78 percent between 1992 and 1995.

An ongoing Postal Service study reports absenteeism among drug users is 66 percent higher, health benefit utilization is 84 percent greater in dollar terms, disciplinary actions are 90 percent higher, and employee turnover is significantly higher.

From large international corporations to relatively small firms, companies are implementing and maintaining programs to ensure that their work forces are productive, their workplaces are safe, and the success of their businesses is not hindered by alcohol and other drug abuse.