And why we should all consider workplace drug testing.
As I write this, I have been looking at the news online. This week alone, three teenagers in the UK have sadly lost their lives to drugs. They weren’t all illegal drugs either, one was from an overdose of a prescription drug.
It seems that now, more than ever, it has become socially acceptable for people to take drugs when they are out to enhance the night out, enhance the experience.
As a society we have seriously failed.
TV series and films glamourise the taking and selling of drugs. Displaying and celebrating a fast and exciting life where the people taking drugs have amazing experiences, fantastic sex and party for days on end.
The reality, however, is so much different.
Drugs are quite often cut with different substances (lactose powder in cocaine anyone? How about codeine mixed and crushed into the tablets you take?)
Not only do the people taking these substances risk taking something other than what they think they are taking, the physical and psychological effects can and do cause irreparable damage.
I haven’t even begun to discuss the criminal element and the victims from the supply and use of drugs.
As a society, we need to stop glamourising this kind of behaviour. We need to educate more on the affects of consuming these substances. We need to support those who are dealing with addictions. We need to have open and frank conversations at the highest levels about drug abuse. Even if taking certain substances is a good or bad thing! A simple saliva drug test will inform within 10 minutes if someone is under the influence of a range of drugs.
We need to raise the awareness of this subject.
Now I am well aware that some people will read this and say that taking drugs is fine, it’s never hurt them.
That is their right and their prerogative.
But last week I posted on social media about how in England and Wales last year, there had been 4859 deaths from drug poisoning.
There are another three on the call sheet for this year.
If you have any questions about workplace drug and alcohol testing, please feel free to contact us for help, guidance and support.
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