In modern-day America drug abuse is more
widespread, and reaches into more sections of society than ever before.
It is now possible for almost
any type of illegal drug to be purchased on the black market , and the manner in which these drugs manifest differs from person
to person.
In short, it is not always possible to tell who is a drug user and who isn't.
It's a common misconception to assume that all drug users are unemployed vagrants involved in
petty crime, with a tendency to hang around with undesirables of a similar nature.
In reality many
drug users are in well paid jobs, go home to families who enjoy annual vacations, and appear as normal as the next person.
It's because of this reality that many companies have introduced drug policies designed to tackle the problem of drug
abuse.
It's not a combative measure in an aggressive sense, but rather an appreciation of the fact that
drug abuse is an area of health and social concern, and should an employee develop a problem with drugs, the ultimate effect
will be a negative one on the company as a whole, and not just the individual.
Take
a look around your workplace and consider the possibility that one, or several of your colleagues, may have a drug problem,
yet be entirely unaware of it.
Drug policies normally cover the abuse of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy,
LSD, amphetamines, heroin, prescribed drugs, over the counter medication, alcohol, and everyday items like glue, lighter fluid,
and solvents.
Drug policies usually become active in one of three ways:
An employee is unfit for work because he/she is under the influence of drugs.
An employee has admitted a
dependency on drugs, and is seeking help.
The company has evidence of the sale, supply or use of drugs at
work.
A good drug policy will help the individual deal with the problem through
referral to a rehabilitation program, designed to support the person while undergoing treatment.
This
may be an external organization, but could be internal and is dependent upon the persons cooperation.
If,
because of drug abuse, a person is unable to continue in his current role, a good drugs policy will also help that person
find another role within the company to allow them to continue safe employment while treatment is ongoing.
Drug abuse in most cases will, however, be regarded as a disciplinary matter, such as where the employee:
Presents a significant risk to the business, him/herself, other staff members.
Is involved in supplying
or selling drugs within the work environment .
Operates machinery or drives a company vehicle on company business.
Has consumed drugs in the workplace.
Refuses to accept their is a problem of dependency.
Refuses
or fails to respond to support or rehabilitation.
Has not responded to previous treatment for dependency.
Has previously been involved in disciplinary matters stemming from drug abuse.
Has allowed drug abuse to
lower their behavior to an unacceptable level.
Persistently uses or sells drugs in the workplace.
Or where he/she is deemed unfit to work because of his/her addiction.
Only
by acknowledging drug problems and implementing prevention policies, can we began to minimize drugs in the office environment.
