Last updated : December 23, 2024
While many states across the nation have adopted standards for employer drug testing, Wisconsin is not one of these states. Though Wisconsin legislature may require that individuals working for state contractors or public works facilities undergo drug tests, there are no statutes in place demanding that private employers must test employees. While it is not required, the practice is also not prohibited.
The latest statistics released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that using prescription or illegal substances recreationally is on the rise in the United States. The levels of abuse documented from 2002 to 2011 show an ever increasing monthly use from people aged 12 to 59. These statistics mean that a good portion of working aged individuals regularly participate in the activity. South Milwaukee is not exempt from these findings.
Marijuana
Since 2007, Marijuana became the most widely used substance in the country. Users smoke the dried plant matter in many forms that includes the hand-rolled cigarettes known as joints, in makeshift pipes, water pipes or in emptied cigar casings filled with a combination of the substance and tobacco. Some mix the plant in foods or might brew marijuana into a tea. The chemical component THC targets cannabinoid receptors in the brain and overstimulates these regions. Taking in the substance commonly produces distorted perceptions, impaired coordination and difficulty with cognitive thinking and problem solving along with interfering with learning and memory. As the effects may last up to three hours, workers often exhibit tardiness, have workplace accidents and an increased number of absences.
Cocaine
Derived from the leaves of the coca plant, cocaine remains close to the top of list of abused substances. In powdered form, users often snort the drug. Some may dissolve the powder in water and administer the substance as an intravenous injection. In rock crystal form, commonly called crack, users burn the rock and inhale the fumes. The addictive stimulant increases dopamine production and inhibits the brain’s ability to break down or eliminate the neurotransmitter. Under the influence, abusers experience euphoria, have increased energy and exhibit and unusual need for chattiness. As the substance also constricts blood vessels, increases heart rate and blood pressure, users have an increased likelihood of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Heroin
This drug is synthesized from morphine, which comes from the seed pod of opium poppy plants. Approximately 4.2 million people aged 12 and older reported having used the substance at least once. Around 23 percent of these become addicted. Users inject, inhale, sniff or snort the drug. Once taken, the substance converts back into morphine and binds to opioid receptors in the brain. As these receptors are in the brain stem, the drug affects blood pressure and heart rate along with respiration. Initially, users experience euphoria followed by alternating periods of alertness and drowsiness. Over time, tolerance occurs, which necessitates increased usage.
Ecstasy
Also known as MDMA, the popular synthetic formulation produces a combination of stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. While experiencing increased energy, ecstasy users also feel euphoric and empathetic but have distorted views of sensory and time perceptions. Taken in capsule or tablet from, the effects may last anywhere from three to six hours. Coming down commonly causes confusion, depression, anxiety and insomnia along with cravings for additional doses. Long-term abuse may lead to a permanence in after effect symptoms.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines increase the release and interfere with the break down of the neurotransmitter known as dopamine. During use, the stimulant typically increases alertness, physical activity and respirations along with heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term abuse contributes to weight loss, anxiety and confusion in addition to mood changes, audio/visual hallucinations or delusions.
Drug Testing
As part of pre-employment requirements, employers may insist that prospective employees undergo testing. Various facilities located around the state regularly perform hair follicle, saliva and urine tests using specially designed kits. If employers suspect that employees are working under the influence or suffer from the effects of drug abuse, these facilities might also be utilized. However, taking an employee to a testing facility often results in production loss as the employer loses the benefit of two employees simultaneously. Employers might contact local law enforcement agencies if the event involves a single employee. If a facility decides to perform randomized testing on all employees, obtaining the services of a mobile testing service is another option.
