Describe the employee drug-testing programs available in the United States

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In 1986 the President's Commission on Organized Crime recommended that both government and private industry launch drug-testing programs for employees. The commission asserted that such examinations would help curb a drug abuse epidemic that drains billions of dollars annually from American society and erodes the nation's quality of life. Many major U.S. companies require applicants or employees to provide urine for an analysis that can detect the use of such drugs as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and morphine. The tests are also given in the military, in a few sensitive federal agencies, and in many drug-treatment facilities. Local governments in many communities are now requiring random drug testing of employees in certain job categories, such as bus drivers. Professional baseball, basketball, and football organizations also have drug-testing programs.
Drug-testing programs are recommended in the interest of safety, health, and increased productivity. The programs are a clear signal that companies are serious about addressing the hazards caused by drugs.

Employees who test positive are generally given an opportunity to enter treatment programs. If further drug tests reveal continued use of illegal drugs, the employee is usually discharged. Opponents of drug testing assert that such programs violate civil liberties, including the Constitution's ban on unreasonable searches.