Working around the subject area of drugs I hear a lot of negativity about raising drug awareness. There seems to be a fear that if we talk about drugs we encourage their use.
I once sat at a conference with someone who works in drug treatment and he said he didn’t want his 14 year old to know about drugs. I challenged this and suggested that by using the correct approach we can help young people to have a greater understanding about drugs (legal and illegal) and encourage them to make better informed decisions.
I would for example, rather my daughter knows that using someone else’s prescribed medicine could be dangerous to her.I would also prefer that she understands the risks associated with the misuse of solvents, instead of trying them and not knowing that there is a risk of death every time they are used.
Mental health issues and health and well-being have high profiles in the workplace right now, but seldom do we see the issue of drugs being discussed, even though there is a strong link. Is there a fear that if we discuss drugs, people will feel they are being accused of something or that we are suggesting there is a problem in the workplace? That is the exact reason for raising awareness in the workplace. We should aim to prevent issues happening or minimise their impact on employees, their families and the workplace.It is an employer’s responsibilty to provide a safe culture at work where employees feel they can find support if needed. We should be offering information to employees to provide them with the knowledge of risks and effects of drugs. Do all employees know that it is an offence to drive unfit, due to the influence of medicines? The penalty is the same as for drink driving offences. Do all employees know who to turn to in the workplace, or feel comfortable to discuss with an employer if they have a family member who is misusing a substance? It happens and it impacts on their mental health and their own ability to perform well at work.
Ignorance isn’t the answer and isn’t an excuse. Drug awareness is an entitlement that we should all have.