Drug Free Work Week

Oct 17-22, 2011

By Colette Washington

What can you do?

A safe, healthy and drug-free workplace is everybody's responsibility, and Any Lab Test Now! wants to take the opportunity to educate employees about steps they can take to help a co-worker who may have an alcohol or drug problem. By knowing what to do (and what not to do), employees can play a powerful role in improving workplace safety and encouraging co-workers with alcohol or drug problems to seek help.

Most of us know someone, perhaps a family member, friend or co-worker, who has been affected by alcohol or drug abuse in some way. Though some of the signs may vary by drug of choice, what you see that person doing and how you interact with him/her is often the same, regardless of the substance being used. Both on and off the job, symptoms of alcohol or drug use may be physical (chills, smell of alcohol, sweating, weight loss, physical deterioration); emotional (increased aggression, anxiety, burnout, denial, depression, paranoia); and/or behavioral (excessive talking, impaired coordination, irritability, lack of energy, limited attention span, poor motivation). It is important to note, however, that if an employee displays these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean he/she has a substance abuse problem.

Signs that substance use may be a workplace hazard include:

For your own safety, it is important that you not tolerate such conduct by a co-worker using alcohol or drugs. However, this can be a challenge - sometimes it may seem easier to ignore the problem and unwittingly enable the employee's behavior to continue. For example, you may cover up for a co-worker by providing alibis or doing his/her work; develop reasons why his/her continued use of alcohol or drugs is understandable; or just avoid contact altogether. Trying to take responsibility by throwing out the person's drugs or making idle threats also tends to be ineffective.

Worker alcohol and drug use cannot be taken lightly, especially in environments where workers rely on each other for safety. While supervisors can confront workers whose behavior affects their job performance, co-workers may be able to help before this occurs.

However, it is important for employees to understand that it is not their responsibility to diagnose problems. Rather, they should observe behavior and focus on safety. Though notifying a supervisor may eventually be necessary, a co-worker may have significant influence using the right approach.

If you suspect someone has a problem:

- Identify with the person and show concern. Say you have noticed a change in behavior and

express your concern for their safety and that of other workers.

- Describe your observation of their behavior, using specific days and/or times rather than saying "you always" and other similar phrases.

- Connect the behavior to the alcohol or drug use (or suspected use).

- Urge the person to get help and offer information about how to get it. If your organization has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), remind your co-worker that this service provides confidential, short-term counseling and referral services as a benefit to employees. Their professionally trained counselors can be reached at Any Lab Test Now! For more information about local resources, you can also call 1-800-662-HELP or visit http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.

Any Lab Test Now! will assist with the development of your Drug Free Workplace Program - Contact us today to learn more about the financial savings for your Drug Free Workplace in Florida.

Colette Washington runs Any Lab Test Now, located in Carriage Gate Shopping Center by TJ Maxx.

ANY LAB TEST NOW! offers a revolutionary healthcare lab testing experience by providing thousands of standard healthcare lab tests in a professional, convenient and cost-effective manner.  They perform drug screenings, DNA & STD testing, as well as health and wellness testing. At ANY LAB TEST NOW!, you don't need insurance, a physician's referral, or an appointment.

If you have questions, call us at (850) 216-2586