Drugs & Substance Abuse

DrugA drug is any substance other than food which changes the way the body or mind functions.

Trends

Types of drugsStimulants

Speed up the brain and central nervous system. Examples include caffeine (coffee, tea) nicotine (cigarettes) etc.

Some give feelings of alertness, greater energy and confidence. They may also reduce appetite

Depressants (downers)

Slows down the brain and central nervous system. Examples are alcohol i.e. beer, wine, vodka, gin etc. heroin, tranquilizers, sleeping pills.

continuationHallucinogens

Drugs that act to change the way users experience the world through the five senses. Sometimes this involves seeing, and hearing things which aren't there (Distort auditory and visual sensations). Examples marijuana

Anabolic Steroids

Drugs that promote muscle growth and increase lean body mass. They are often misused by those wishing to enhance their athletic performance or strength.

What is drug addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual who is addicted and to those around them. It is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. It is characterized by denial.

Effects

What are the effects of substance abuse at workplace and society at large?Spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C through sharing needles, or having unprotected sexEffects on unborn children or other complications from drug useAntisocial behavior (e.g., aggression, hyperactivity, defiance)Leads to family problems, including divorce, and could even cause you to lose your job

continuationMay lead to arguments with co-workers or supervisors, illegal activities such as theft to support a drug habit, or other violent behaviorsDeclining Quality of Work:- Increased errors, work frequently needs to be redone, inability to understand, follow through on complex assignments, inability to carry out instructions, low productivity.Judgment - Illogical reasons for decisions, violates policies and procedures; takes inappropriate risk; inattentive to safety procedures.

Management

Important to know: Majority of individuals who abuse drugs and substances are employed, creating significant but avoidable safety and health hazards in the workplaces.

Identifying and responding to substance abuse:

Helps deter current employees from on-the-job substance abuse.Provides assistance in helping employees recover from abuse.Provides a safer workplace for all employees and customers.

Employee Assistance

A critical component of a drug-free workplace is providing assistance to employees who have problems with alcohol and other drugs. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are worksite programs that provide problem identification, assessment and referral services for employees. They are effective vehicles for addressing poor performance that may stem from an employee’s personal problems

Importance of addressing drugs & substance at workplace

Protect the health and safety of all employees, customers and the publicSafeguard employer assets from theft and destructionProtect trade secretsMaintain product quality and company integrity and reputationComply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act or any other applicable laws