Drug abuse – don’t turn a blind eye

Denial, however, prevents the drug user from appreciating the full extent of the problem and its consequences. Your involvement could be the difference between life and death.

People with a drug problem often try hiding the symptoms and playing down the extent of their addiction so be aware of the warning signs that include:

• • Sudden weight loss or gain

• • Deteriorating physical appearance

• • Bloodshot eyes

• • Impaired coordination, slurred speech and tremors

• • Breath, body and clothing that smell unusual

• • Absenteeism

• • Constant financial problems possibly to where borrowing or stealing money has become a habit

• • Sudden mood swings

• • Irritability or angry outbursts

• • Paranoia

• • Sudden and unexplained personality changes.

Your approach

• • Have a caring, non-confrontational, persuasive approach. Don’t sound accusing. Say, “I think you’ve a problem with drug addiction” rather than “I think you’re a drug addict”.

• • Expect the person to be defensive and hostile. For example, when asking your teen if he or she used drugs over the weekend and the teen gives you a quick answer like, “Really? That’s just not me” and then immediately changes the subject by saying “I did really well on that test”, the teen is being defensive. Addicts may also blame someone else for their issue, by saying something like “well if you didn’t … then I wouldn’t have to …” When this happens, stay calm. Avoid blame and angry confrontations.

• • Present the facts about the person’s drug abuse and be specific about his or her behaviour. Avoid being judgemental. You could say something like “If you were in jail and had the key, wouldn’t you let yourself out?” A question like this could help the person understand that he or she might have something to do with his or her current situation and that perhaps he or she can do something about it.

• • Explain that addiction is not a moral weakness or lack of willpower but a very destructive chronic illness that progressively gets worse and is potentially fatal. Offer to take the person to a health professional or a South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting, but place the responsibility on the drug abuser. Don’t take the burden of responsibility on yourself.

Call in the cavalry

If all your attempts fail, the effect of arming sympathetic others with specific facts can be powerful. Several people can approach the person over a couple of weeks suggesting the need for help and leaving the same card or telephone number for professional help.

If a colleague refuses help and is adamant that there isn’t any problem, you may have no choice but to tell your supervisor about your concerns. If you ignore the problem, your colleague’s drug issues could impact on the productivity, health and safety of the entire workplace.

 

Sources
www.castlecraig.co.uk
www.na.org.za
www.safeworklaboratories.com.au
www.sancanational.info