Drug testing in the workplace – the effects of methamphetamine

Drug Alcohol Testing in the workplace is seen as the most effective method of reducing the abuse of drugs and alcohol on the job, not only in Australia but across the globe. Among the most common substance that is abused by workers is methamphetamine, from the family of amphetamines that act as stimulants and speed up activity of the central nervous system.

Such drugs are common among the socially upmarket, and have evolved street terms such as “ice”, “crystal meth”, “meth” and “glass”.

Employers that implement Drug & Alcohol Testing in the workplace, or who intend to do so, may want to know why employers often resort to these drugs, beyond its common use as social drugs that help the upwardly mobile gain acceptance among his or her peers.

The Australian Drug Info Clearinghouse has identified three ways in which taking these drugs can have an impact on an employee’s output.

Better performance – Some use methamphetamine because they believe it enhances their performance at work. Onsite drug and alcohol screening prevents these people from working and endangering others. Employees working shifts, hospitality staff working long hours or long-haul drivers needing to stay away and concentrate for extended periods may resort to these drugs. However, while they do indeed help people to stay alert, the drugs affect how someone sees the world and how they react to certain situations, which may affect the safety of them and others.

Socially – Some people take methamphetamine outside work, most often socially. However, the stimulant effect of these drugs can last anywhere between seven and 24 hours and the “coming down” time may have a negative effect on their ability to perform at optimum levels.

Long-term effects –Regular use of methamphetamine will have an effect on a person’s health and overall wellbeing. This may result in employees having to take more sick leave than normal.

If an employee is taking methamphetamine during working hours, often the effects can be apparent for all to see. Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace helps to keep these from happening on the job. These include:

Speeding up of bodily functions – The heart rate increase, blood pressure rises and the person breathes faster.

Feeling good – a person may feel excited and have a false sense of wellbeing. He or she will also be energetic, alert and have an increased sense of concentration. Can’t stop talking – a person under the influence of methamphetamine will be talking more than usual. They will be restless, clenching his or her jaw and grinding the teeth.

Can do attitude – he or she will have heightened confidence, which may lead to the person taking outrageous risks that could endanger lives.

Faster and stronger – the person may not realise that he or she is stronger and has faster reaction times, with the potential to hurt others without realizing the strength being used. Onsite drug and alcohol screening is the solution to these problems.

Different look – the person may have enlarged pupils, dry mouth, sweat more and have a higher body temperature.

Confused – the user may suddenly think differently, confusing others and making him or her difficult to understand. They may also suffer anxiety attacks and appear to be mentally unstable.

Pain – the person may suffer headaches, dizziness and have a reduced appetite. Workplace Alcohol Drug Testing helps prevent accidents on or near the jobsite.

This article has been taken from http://mediscreen.net.au/articles/?p=1963