Archive for category Drug Abuse
New Drug Abuse Growing Epidemic
Posted by in Drug Abuse on January 7, 2012
If you are parents of teenagers then you are already fully aware of the major drug problem our country is facing. If you are not aware of the problem, it is a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with the growing issue. Statistics show that about 20% of young adults between the ages of 16-24 have used one or more illicit drug during the 2010 year according to facts found in the Health and Social Care Information Centre. The most common use of these illicit drugs used by teenagers between that age group is marijuana. Other illicit drugs that also had high levels of frequent use among these young people were cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens or inhalants. One problem that is facing many parents today when it comes to these illegal drugs is that they are so prevalent throughout the country. Unfortunately, these drugs are very easy for young people to have access to, especially marijuana.
If you are parents who suspect that your teenager may be using one of these dangerous drugs it is important that you take a moment to consider how you are going to address the problem. There are certain things you will want to consider before you approach your son or daughter with your concerns. You have to understand that your teenager is experimenting in life and that they feel a strong connection to their friends so they will likely lie about drug abuse if you approach them in a manner that may make them feel uncomfortable. Teenagers are not truthful about drug abuse and neither are their parents. Parents do not want to believe that their children would be the one that is getting high on marijuana or cocaine, but the problem that statistics show is that young people are falling into the traps of peer pressure and succumbing to the drug use more and more every day. Read the rest of this entry »
Identifying Drug Abuse in the Workplace
Posted by in Drug Abuse on January 7, 2012
Drug abuse and its impact within the workplace is quite significant. Not only is it a problem to the substance abuser, but it then also becomes your problem as there is an increase in the risk of accidents, productivity is decreased and it can also cost your business financially. These employees are working at a minimal capacity and increase the workload for other staff. They can be a risk in the production process, comprising the quality of the product and even risking the company’s reputation. Being able to identify whether someone is suffering from drug abuse is not always clear cut, but you can purchase drug testing kits that can help.
Clearly some who is addicted to heroin or cocaine suffers from drug abuse, as does someone who regularly uses marijuana. Drug abuse can also include those addicted to prescription drugs or pain killers. Basically it includes the use of any type of drug that threatens a persons mental or physical health, affects their behaviour and their relationships, and jeopardises their safety, or anyone else’s, in the workplace. Drug abusers do not just have to be physically dependant on drugs, it can also include psychological dependency too.
Someone dependent on drugs does not have to be using them at work for them to have a negative effect. It has been shown that drug abusers are ten times more likely to be absent and they are almost four times more likely to be involved in accidents at work. They are also more of a risk when it comes to causing accidents. They are five times as likely to file for a workers compensation claim and are less productive. Operating any kind of machinery under the influence increases the risk of accidents and the threat of fatalities. Read the rest of this entry »