Drug and alcohol use and abuse causes a wide variety of societal problems. Below are questions most commonly asked by treatment facilities, public agencies, private corporations and education institutions. Where appropriate, we have given proper credit for the questions and answers.

FAQs

“What is Willow Laboratories philosophy?’
One word that stands-out is consistency. We constantly ensure our core values of ‘Respect, Integrity, Education and Accuracy’ are clearly understood and followed by our entire organization.  

"What types of quality control procedures are in place?"
Willow Labs maintains a Quality Assurance Program for every test we execute. Included in this program are both internal and external quality control policies and procedures.

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"How does Willow Laboratories stay up to date with current technology?"
Willow Laboratory staff continuously updates their knowledge and education by maintaining membership in various industry-related organizations, attending workshops and seminars. Willow Laboratories is committed to using the latest technology that is proven effective for measuring substance abuse.

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“What testing matrix is appropriate for our treatment facility?” Our experience is the industry shows that most public and private treatment facilities use urine to screen for drugs of abuse.

“Does Willow Labs offer supervised/observed collections?”
Yes we do. Supervised/observedcollection refers to a certified Willow Laboratories Collector observing your patient donating their specimen. When using urine drug testing in conjunction with supervised collections, this greatly reduces the potential use of adulterants by your donors and clients. We have both male and female collectors.

Our specimen collection staff plays an important role in the recovery process. We offer a wide range of tools to assist in successfully completing specimen collections. Our dedicated service professionals offer support and dignity throughout the collection process.

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“Do you offer special Opioid dependency testing?”
Yes. We have a special program specifically designed for the treatment of Opioid dependant individuals. Our “Extended Opioid and Buprenorphine Testing Services” screening panel, along with your treatment plan gives patients the best opportunity to overcome the disease of substance abuse.

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*What is drug addiction treatment?
There are many addictive drugs, and treatments for specific drugs can differ. Treatment also varies depending on the characteristics of the patient.

Problems associated with an individual's drug addiction can vary significantly. People who are addicted to drugs come from all walks of life. Many suffer from mental health, occupational, health, or social problems that make their addictive disorders much more difficult to treat. Even if there are few associated problems, the severity of addiction itself ranges widely among people.

The best programs provide a combination of therapies and other services to meet the needs of the individual patient

Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, in many different forms, and for different lengths of time. Because drug addiction is typically a chronic disorder characterized by occasional relapses, a short-term, one-time treatment often is not sufficient. For many, treatment is a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and attempts at abstinence.

* Source - http://www.drugabuse.gov

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*How effective is drug addiction treatment?
In addition to stopping drug use, the goal of treatment is to return the individual to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community. Measures of effectiveness typically include levels of criminal behavior, family functioning, employability, and medical condition.

According to several studies, drug treatment reduces drug use by 40 to 60 percent and significantly decreases criminal activity during and after treatment.

* Source - http://www.drugabuse.gov

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*Is Drug Addiction Treatment Worth Its Cost?
Drug addiction treatment is cost-effective in reducing drug use and its associated health and social costs. Treatment is less expensive than alternatives, such as not treating addicts or simply incarcerating addicts.

According to several conservative estimates, every $1 invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 in reduced drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and theft alone. When savings related to health care are included, total savings can exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1.

* Source - http://www.drugabuse.gov

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“What is the role of drug-testing in treatment?”
The role of drug-testing in a treatment environment serves as a direct measure of the success of your program’s clients. By using drug testing you are better able to manage their recovery efforts. Drug-testing also ensures that the patient is more likely to follow the guidelines addressed for their recovery.

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"What are the major benefits of a workplace drug testing program?"
Our clients tell us they have seen a marked increase in:

• staff morale,
• employee motivation,
• employee creativity,
• customer satisfaction,
• customer retention,
• positive public image,
• savings through incentive programs offered by insurance carriers.

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"What can our company do to prevent or reduce drug use among employees?"
Research shows that implementing a drug-free workplace program is the best way to combat employee drug use. A comprehensive program includes a drug-free workplace policy, supervisor training, employee and management education, employee assistance, and drug testing. Research also shows a positive relationship between the number of services included in a program and the overall effectiveness of the program.

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"Will drug testing reduce my company's insurance costs?"
Many insurance carriers offer savings through incentive programs for companies that use drug testing programs. Please call your specific insurance provider for details.

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"What are the major components of a drug-free workplace program?"
The five components of a comprehensive drug-free workplace program include policy, training, education, employee assistance and drug training.

• Policy: A written drug testing or drug-free workplace policy should be implemented. The organization's policy should be developed specifically for that company. At a minimum, the policy should address why a workplace program is being implemented, a description of behaviors that are prohibited, and the consequences for policy violation.
• Training: Supervisors and management personnel need to be properly trained to deal with employees who may have job performance problems related to alcohol or drugs. Documentation of job performance problems is critical; at the same time, supervisors should never be put in a position where they are expected to diagnose alcohol and drug-related problems.
• Education: All company employees should be required to participate in a drug and alcohol education program. Research shows that providing education to employees, including company information, general drug and alcohol information, and options for help (either through the company or outside providers), workplace drug use can be significantly reduced
• Employee Assistance: Employee Assistance Programs clearly demonstrate an employer's responsiveness to and respect for staff. These programs offer an alternative to employee dismissal and minimize an employer's legal vulnerability as they clearly show a company's efforts to aid employees in need of help.
• Drug Testing: Drug testing has become the standard in drug-free workplace programs. Questions to consider are: Who will be tested? When will tests be conducted? Who will monitor collections? How will tests be conducted? And who will conduct the tests?

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