Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jul 2012
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2012 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

GOVT NEEDS TO TREAD WARILY ON DRUG TESTS

In terms of leading the world, one of this country's most unfortunate 
claims lies in the extent of cannabis use. One of the consequences of 
this has been evident in forestry, an industry hungry for workers.

For many years, employers complained of the problems, safety and 
otherwise, arising from the number of workers showing up with the 
drug in their blood. More recently, they have started to do something about it.

Most major forestry companies test randomly, as well as running 
anti-drug programmes, providing educational material and using 
motivational speakers in an attempt to rid the industry of drugs. The 
results have been encouraging.

Now, however, the Social Development Minister, Paula Bennett, wants 
to do even more. As part of a new Welfare Reform Bill, she plans to 
cancel the benefit for those who refuse or fail drug tests while 
applying for jobs.

At the moment, she says, there are no consequences for drug-takers 
who opt out of job applications when faced with a drug test. This, of 
course, is because using the benefits system as a means of forcing 
people off drugs and getting their lives back in order has never been 
considered before.

There is reason for this. The minister's approach may work for 
recreational drug users. Effectively, they are being asked to make a 
lifestyle choice. But dealing with people addicted to drugs is an 
entirely different matter.

There is little to suggest that the stick of benefit sanctions will 
prompt them to drastically amend their lives. Taking money away from 
them will make no difference because addicts will go to any length to 
obtain drugs. Indeed, in some cases, they are more likely to be lured 
into crime or prostitution to feed their addiction.

Sensibly, therefore, the Government plans to exempt drug and alcohol 
addicts from sanctions for refusing or failing a drug test. It has, 
however, hinted that such beneficiaries may be forced to get 
treatment for their addictions. Such a step should be resisted as the 
policy detail is finalised. In no other area of health is such an 
approach taken.

For those suffering from a wide range of mental illnesses, for 
example, collecting a benefit is not contingent on agreeing to 
treatment. Why, then, stigmatise addicts in this manner? Specialists 
in drug treatment are adamant that addicts should not, and cannot, be 
coerced into abstinence.

The recommended approach is to encourage users to enter treatment 
programmes that offer abundant counselling and support. But it is 
fair for the Government to insist that if people in work are expected 
to be drug-free and able to work, it is quite reasonable that 
non-addicts on benefits should be able to pass a drug test.

It must, however, be careful about the degree of punishment for 
returning a positive test. Many forestry companies recognise this and 
avoid using a sledgehammer. The failing of a test means not instant 
dismissal but that someone cannot resume work until he or she 
provides a negative return.

Encouragingly, the Government seems to be working towards a similar 
formula. Ms Bennett suggests it is likely that if someone fails an 
employer's initial test, they will be allowed three or four weeks to 
return "clean". If they then fail a drug test, they would lose part 
of their benefit. That could later be recouped by staying clean, but 
they would lose more if they kept reporting back with drugs in their system.

The minister quotes a case in which of 74 young people attending a 
seminar, 18 said, "we will not pass a drug test, so there's no point 
in us going forward". The minister is, justifiably, appalled. 
Addressing that, however, will require a balanced approach that 
eschews extreme propositions.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom