‘Ice’
is crystal methamphetamine, a form of methamphetamine (d-methamphetamine)
Why
do people take methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine use (including ice) increases
levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, mood and
appetite.
Its
use results in feelings of intense euphoria, exhilaration and increased arousal
and activity. This can result in the user feeling alert, energised, talkative,
happy, confident and powerful.
The
effect of any drugs, including methamphetamine, can have a significant impact
on workplace health, safety, relationships and productivity.
Methamphetamine
use can impact on the workplace in several ways.
·
Some people may use methamphetamine while at work because they feel it
improves their ability to work. For example, shift workers, hospitality staff or
long haul drivers may use it to help them stay awake and concentrate for long
periods of time. In reality, it affects the way a person sees the world and how
they react to things which can affect their safety and the safety of others.
·
Anti-social and risk-taking behaviours
associated with methamphetamine use may extend to workplace violence,
harassment and bullying, and impact negatively on workplace morale.
·
Some people may use methamphetamine outside of work, but the after
effects when they are “coming down” may affect their ability to work safely and
productively.
·
The long term effects of methamphetamine on a person’s health and
wellbeing can also affect their ability to work safely and their productivity.
For example, people may take sick days to deal with methamphetamine-related
health issues. We are also aware of many who take sick days to ensure they are
clear for drug tests before returning to work.
What
are the effects of methamphetamine?
The
stimulant effects of methamphetamine can last from anywhere between 7 and 24
hours, but some of the other unwanted effects, such as “coming down”, can last
for several days.
Some
of the immediate effects of methamphetamines can include:
·
A speeding up of bodily functions, including an increased heart rate,
breathing and blood pressure—this can put extra strain on the heart and body.
·
Feeling excited and a sense of wellbeing.
·
Feeling more energetic, alert, a sense of increased concentration.
·
Being talkative, restless, clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth.
·
Increased confidence—this may lead to people taking risks where they can
hurt themselves or others.
·
Increased strength and faster reaction times, people may not realise
their strength and may accidentally hurt other people.
·
A dry mouth, enlarged pupils, and increased body temperature and
sweating.
·
Reduced appetite.
·
Headaches and dizziness.
·
Rapid shifts in the way a person thinks and speaks—this can make a
person difficult to understand or behave in a strange way.
·
Anxiety and paranoia—they may even have panic attacks and experience
what appears to be a range of mental health issues
How
to deal with drugs including methamphetamine in the workplace.
Workplace drug testing is one strategy that has merit.
While this strategy can be useful for identifying
drug use, its ability to detect the full extent of associated problems is
limited as the full extent of drug use affects the workplace in a variety of
ways,
e.g. a large proportion of methamphetamine use
occurs recreationally. Methamphetamine has a saliva/ urinalysis detection
period of approximately 24 hours after use. Since most workplace testing occurs
during normal working hours, weekend use may be undetectable. In addition, drug
testing cannot detect psychological factors associated with regular use, such
as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and aggressive behaviour that can impact
workplace productivity, safety and worker wellbeing.
Workplace drug testing can be an effective strategy
if combined with a comprehensive policy approach that incorporates additional
strategies such as education and training. To be effective these additional
strategies cannot be ‘off the shelf’ generic education and training programs.
Rather, they need to be designed for the specific working environment, working
conditions, and demographic profile of each workforce.
MediNat Australia carry a large range of Saliva and Urine Drug Tests for the detection of methamphetamine and other drugs, please visit our website or contact us for further information
Workplace
Information
Below
is a list of websites and publications that provide information about alcohol
and other drugs in
the workplace and some guidance for developing a workplace policy.
Alcohol and other drugs in the workplace: a guide to developing a
workplace alcohol and other drugs policy Sydney: WorkCover New South Wales, 2006
Assessing
fitness to drive: for commercial and private vehicle drivers, Sydney:
Austroads, 2012
Building
Trades Group Drug and Alcohol Program
Establishing a policy to manage alcohol and other drugs in the
workplace, Sydney:
WorkCover New South Wales http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/15033/drugs_alcohol_workplace_guide_1359.pdf
National
Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA): workplace alcohol and
other drug issues http://nceta.flinders.edu.au/workplace
SafeWork
South Australia: Alcohol and other drugs http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/employment-and-finance/information-for-employers/work-health-and-safety/alcohol-and-other-drugs/assessing-the-risk
Smith D Work-related alcohol and drug use:
a fit for work issue, Canberra: Australian Safety and
Compensation
Council, 2007 http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/334/WorkRelatedAlcoholAndDrugUse_AFitForWorkIssue_2007_PDF.pdf
Western
Australia Department of Consumer and Employment Protection: Information on
alcohol and drugs in the workplace http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/alcohol_and_drugs_0.pdf
WorkSafe
Victoria: Alcohol & Other Drugs
MediNat
Australia carry a large range of Saliva and Urine Drug Tests for the detection
of methamphetamine and other drugs.
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