Of all psychiatric disorders and diseases, with an overall incidence (prevalence) of about 40 percent, addiction diseases, which include alcoholism, nicotine addiction, illegal drugs, and psychoactive drugs, rank first. There are many reasons, motives, needs, and life situations due to which part of the youth under the pressure of the environment and peer groups begins and then continues to take drugs.
What is important to point out is that everyone has the freedom to do what they want, but not when they want to. More and more companies are sending their employees for testing for drugs and other narcotics, while some conditions such as testing as part of regular systematic reviews.
Some introduce tests occasionally and preventively, while other employers are guided by previous, negative experiences with opiates and workers. And while in some companies regular testing is implied, there are those who prefer to surprise their workers when they least expect it. Testing is performed at random by selecting several workers, especially if it is a larger team.
Many companies have zero-tolerance when it comes to narcotics. However, what remains unclear is how to proceed if a worker consumes drugs in his spare time and is not at work. Take marijuana for example. This opiate stays in the body for several days. So, even two to three days after consumption, the test will show that you are positive. In any case, one thing is clear – this testing is conducted in order to protect workers as well as more productive work. Read below on how drug testing makes the workplace a healthier place.
Workers are more productive
We do not need to be experts to conclude that poor productivity at work among employees can also be the result of poor decision-making as well as slow reactions due to drug use. Their behavior can also negatively affect relationships with colleagues, disrupting team spirit and morale. Productivity in this case usually suffers, and the company’s reputation can also be seriously damaged. In addition, certain opiates often lead to ups and downs when it comes to mood, and can disrupt the relationship between colleagues.
Workplace drug testing has the potential to greatly improve health and safety in the workplace by discouraging people from substance abuse and thus affecting poor health effects and reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries related to work under the influence.
Healthy environment
Drugs can elevate mood, but they can also negatively affect, and even lead to anxiety, depression, and irritability, which we do not want at work. It is also common and inappropriate behavior that affects employee morale. The workplace is safer without opiates.
Drugs slow down the central nervous system and sends messages to and from the brain. The consequences of marijuana consumption continue even after marijuana is broken down in the body and manifests as memory difficulties and reduced ability to learn and sleep disorders.
Long-term consequences (due to cumulative action or chronic abuse) are addiction, chronic cough, and bronchitis, increased risk of schizophrenia and other psychoses or worsening of symptoms in people with pre-existing psychosis, increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts, anxiety, depression, and a motivation syndrome.
Help for those in need
Workplace testing encourages greater accountability among workers who may harm themselves or others under the influence. Here we mean surgeons, bus drivers, pilots, house-builders, midwives, and so on.
On-the-job testing can help identify employees who need help with substance use. Because people with addictions are often extremely secretive and bogus, drug testing bypasses the need for honest self-subordination, which is very unreliable when people have a lot to lose; in this case, potentially, both their life chances and their reputation.
The work efficiency of workers behind the machines decreases under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Preventive measures seek to preserve existing health and prevent the occurrence of diseases. While laws are aimed at banning or controlling alcohol abuse at work locations (especially for security-sensitive jobs and sectors), is needed to strengthened preventive approaches to avoid spreading the problem.
It needs to be increased palliative methods to help addicted workers return to normal work activities. Here we also mean the already mentioned occasional drug testing. Redwood drug testing can be conducted in several ways – DOT and non-DOT urine drug tests, breath alcohol tests, EtG tests, and hair drug testing, and it is up to the employer to choose the most appropriate way.
If testing is done and it is proven that a worker has a problem with a certain drug, it is important to know how to approach it. If it is about a hard-working and dedicated worker, it is important to discuss the consequences of behavior at work, as well as the issue of efficiency in the workplace. It is important to remain calm as an employer and to resist preaching or protective behavior. It should be borne in mind that this is not about the employer, but about the job and the worker who has the problem. If it is a worker who shows aggression, it is always good to seek legal advice.
Final thoughts
Acting to prevent problems can save a lot of time and is often more effective than waiting until the problem gets so big that it cannot be ignored. A lot of people regain control of their lives and return to doing their jobs efficiently. Ultimately, the goal of the employer should be to help drug-addicted employees get the help they need to be as healthy and productive as possible.
If a person suspects that someone is using illegal substances in the workplace, they must inform the supervisor as soon as possible. This can be a manager, a member of the security team, or a human resources officer. Reporting can be done privately or out of work depending on how comfortable the worker who has noticed the use of illegal substances is. That worker does not have to feel that he is risking the work of an associate, because that associate risks his own safety and the safety of other workers.