Pubdate: Fri, 22 Sep 2006
Source: Kootenay News Advertiser (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Kootenay News Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.kootenayadvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2651

DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE NEED TO BE ADDRESSED

Although we tend to think about young people when we talk about 
drugs, the problem of drug addiction is not limited to adolescents. 
Drug use affects every area of our society. The workplace is no exception.

The consequences of drug dependency, as is the case with alcohol, are 
significant for both the individual and society. For instance, we 
know that workers with an addiction problem are 3 times more likely 
to be late for work, 2.5 times more likely to be repeatedly absent 
and 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident. The result 
is a reduced level of productivity and competitiveness for the 
company, coupled with an increase in insurance and compensation 
costs. Obviously, the workers concerned also have much to lose given 
their situation, including their job and the trust of their loved ones.

As such, it is time that we open our eyes and stop pretending that 
the work world is immune to the disastrous effects of drug addiction. 
Eliminating the problem cases is not always the best option for the 
employer, to say nothing about the needs of the affected employees.

It is time to break the wall of silence and to reach out to the 
diverse community services that can offer the necessary support. 
Health services and organizations dealing with drug addiction can 
help to construct a healthy work environment that's to everyone's benefit.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine