This document discusses drugs and substance abuse. It defines drugs and outlines major drug types like stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and anabolic steroids. It also defines drug addiction as a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsion and denial. The effects of substance abuse in the workplace and society include spread of diseases, antisocial behavior, declining work quality, and family problems. Managing substance abuse helps provide assistance to employees and a safer workplace. Employee assistance programs provide problem identification and referral services to address issues stemming from personal problems. Addressing drugs and substance abuse is important to protect health and safety, assets, trade secrets, quality, and compliance with laws.

1. Drugs & Substance Abuse

2. Drug
A drug is any substance other than food
which changes the way the body or
mind functions.

3. Trends

4. Types of drugs
Stimulants
Speed up the brain and central nervous system. Examples include caffeine
(coffee, tea) nicotine (cigarettes) etc.
Some give feelings of alertness, greater energy and confidence. They may also
reduce appetite
Depressants (downers)
Slows down the brain and central nervous system. Examples are alcohol i.e.
beer, wine, vodka, gin etc. heroin, tranquilizers, sleeping pills.

5. continuation
Hallucinogens
Drugs that act to change the way users experience the world through the five
senses. Sometimes this involves seeing, and hearing things which aren't there
(Distort auditory and visual sensations). Examples marijuana
Anabolic Steroids
Drugs that promote muscle growth and increase lean body mass. They are
often misused by those wishing to enhance their athletic performance or
strength.

6. What is drug addiction?
Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that
causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful
consequences to the individual who is addicted and to
those around them. It is a brain disease because the
abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and
function of the brain. It is characterized by denial.

7. Effects
What are the effects of substance abuse at workplace and society at large?
Spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C through sharing needles,
or having unprotected sex
Effects on unborn children or other complications from drug use
Antisocial behavior (e.g., aggression, hyperactivity, defiance)
Leads to family problems, including divorce, and could even cause you to lose
your job

8. continuation
May lead to arguments with co-workers or supervisors, illegal
activities such as theft to support a drug habit, or other violent
behaviors
Declining Quality of Work:- Increased errors, work frequently needs
to be redone, inability to understand, follow through on complex
assignments, inability to carry out instructions, low productivity.
Judgment - Illogical reasons for decisions, violates policies and
procedures; takes inappropriate risk; inattentive to safety procedures.

9. Management
Important to know: Majority of individuals
who abuse drugs and substances are
employed, creating significant but avoidable
safety and health hazards in the workplaces.

10. Identifying and responding to substance abuse:
Helps deter current employees from on-the-job substance
abuse.
Provides assistance in helping employees recover from
abuse.
Provides a safer workplace for all employees and
customers.

11. Employee Assistance
A critical component of a drug-free workplace is providing
assistance to employees who have problems with alcohol
and other drugs.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are worksite
programs that provide problem identification, assessment
and referral services for employees.
They are effective vehicles for addressing poor
performance that may stem from an employee’s personal
problems

12. Importance of addressing drugs & substance at
workplace
 Protect the health and safety of all employees, customers
and the public
Safeguard employer assets from theft and destruction
Protect trade secrets
Maintain product quality and company integrity and
reputation
Comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act or any other
applicable laws