SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Substance Abuse: Statistics

  • An estimated 70% of all individuals abusing drugs are employed.
  • The abuse of alcohol and other drugs is costing the American business owners over $100 Billion annually due to insurance rate increases, workmen’s compensation, etc.
  • Drug use shows up at all levels in the workplace – from professionals to unskilled workers.
  • An estimated 20% of the workplace population is using alcohol or other drugs at the worksite.
  • Nearly 60% of the world’s production of illegal drugs is consumed in the U.S., which has less than 5% of the world’s population

Abusers in the Workplace:

  • Are less productive
  • Miss more workdays
  • More likely to injure themselves or someone else
  • File more worker’s compensation claims
  • More likely to steal from the employer and/or co-workers
  • Cause low morale among co-workers
  • Cause an increase in co-workers’ workload
  • Cause insurance rates to increase

Recognizing Abusers in the Workplace:

  • Accidents on the job
  • Frequent absences and/or late to work
  • Frequent mistakes that require additional work to correct
  • Uncharacteristic behavior such as moodiness, giddiness, violent threats, etc.
  • Obsessed with drugs and alcohol and trying to get others to participate

Fighting Drug Abuse in the Workplace:

  • A written substance abuse policy
  • Employee education & awareness program
  • Supervisor training program
  • Employee assistance program
  • Drug testing when appropriate

Drug Types and Symptoms:

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Body tremors
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Eyelid tremors
  • Impaired attention
  • Impaired time and distance perception
  • Increased appetite
  • Relaxed inhibitions

Depressants – (Barbiturates, Tranquilizers and Quaaludes)

  • Nystagmus (bouncing of the eyes)
  • Below normal pulse rate
  • Disorientation
  • Drooping eyelids (Ptosis)
  • Drowsiness
  • Drunken behavior
  • Gait ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
  • Pupils slow to react
  • Slurred speech

Hallucinogens – (Dimethyltryptamine, LSD, Peyote and Psilocybin)

  • Dilated pupils
  • Elevated pulse
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Disoriented
  • Flashbacks
  • Memory loss
  • Nausea
  • Rancid breath
  • Sleepiness
  • Mood changes

Inhalants – Amyl/butyl nitrite, Chlorohydrocarbons, Correction fluid, Hydrocarbons, Nitrous oxide and Chloroform)

  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Headaches
  • Impaired attention
  • Odor of substance on their breath
  • Slurred speech
  • Elevated Pulse
  • Elevated Blood Pressure

Narcotics – (Codeine, Demerol, Dilaudid, Heroin, Meperidine, Methadone, Morphine, Opium, Percocet and Percodan)

  • Constricted pupils
  • Below normal pulse and/or blood pressure
  • Depressed reflexes
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Euphoria
  • Nausea
  • Poor motor skills
  • Profuse scratching
  • Vomiting
  • Fresh puncture marks

Stimulants – (Amphetamines, Cocaine and Methamphetamine)

  • Dilated pupils
  • Elevated Pulse
  • Elevated Blood Pressure
  • Elevated Body temperature
  • Anxiety
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Euphoria
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Runny nose
  • Sweating
  • Talkative
  • Impaired attention

Interaction with a Person Under the Influence:

  • Security officers be cautious when encountering anyone who may be under the influence of any form of drug, including that of alcohol. These individuals may become hostile when contacted and pose a serious hazard to the officer.
  • An officer should immediately contact the local police for assistance as it is within the police’s jurisdiction and capability.
  • The drug information is provided for awareness purposes and for the officer to recognize a person who is potentially under the influence. Again, the utmost caution should be used. A violent response could occur for very simple reasons, as this person may not be capable of controlling their responses.