252 coal miners have failed drug screening tests this year, mostly for
prescription drugs and marijuana.
Failures average about 300 per year, but seem to be increasing.
Those who fail the test are decertified and have to get into a substance
abuse facility and seek counseling to move toward recertification.
Among the general population, West Virginia ranks in the top 10 in drug
addiction – cocaine, non-marijuana drugs. McDowell County (Bluefield) is 5th
nationally.
West Virginia is on a par with Virginia, Minnesota, Utah and Massachussetts
when it comes to drug abuse.
7% of West Virginians admit to using illegal drugs. More die from drugs
than firearms and almost as many as are killed in auto accidents.
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