Methamphetamine and the Workplace

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Methamphetamine and the Workplace
U.S. Departments of Justice and Labor
A Department of Labor initiative engaging
partners to make Americas workplaces safe,
healthy and drug free
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Adult Illicit Drug Use A Workplace Concern

• 14.1 (17.7 million) of working adults in the
  U.S. reported using illicit drugs in the past
  year
• 11.23 (14.1 million) reported using enough to
  get high
• 3.1 (3.9 million) reported using before arriving
  at work or during working hours
• 2.9 (3.6 million) reported working under the
  influence of illicit drugs

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Methamphetamine Overview

• Powerful, addictive stimulant that affects the
  central nervous system
• Schedule II drug under Controlled Substance Act
  of 1970
• Abused by many, creating problems for families,
  workplaces and communities

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Workplace Impact of Meth

• Occupational injuries and fatalities
• Absenteeism and employee turnover
• Increased illness rates and health benefit
  utilization
• Lost productivity
• Low employee morale
• Workplace violence
• Identity theft

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Forms of Meth and How it is Taken

• Comes in many forms and colors
• Powder that looks like granulated crystals
• Tablets (yabba)
• Rock or crystal, also known as ice
• Ranges in color from white to yellow to dark red
  and brown
• Can be smoked, snorted, orally ingested and
  injected

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Forms of Meth
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Effects of Meth

• Increases energy and alertness decreases
  appetite
• Causes release of high levels of dopamine,
  creating intense rush that can last many hours
• Can cause side effects such as convulsions,
  dangerously high body temperature, stroke,
  irregular heartbeat

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Consequences of Chronic Meth Use

• Psychotic behavior, including paranoia,
  hallucinations and violence
• Tooth decay, known as meth mouth
• Cardiovascular problems
• Increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and
  Hepatitis B and C

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Meth Abuse Addiction

• Highly addictive
• Initial intense rush is followed by high lasting
  6-8 hours then comes a devastating low, causing
  user to chase the initial rush
• Meth has neurotoxic effect on brain and damages
  cells continuous use of meth does not let brain
  recover

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Three Stages in Pattern of Abuse

• Low-intensity
• Psychological addiction
• Preferred form of use is swallowing or snorting
• Binging
• Psychological addiction with a continuation of
  the high
• Preferred form of use is smoking or injecting
• High-intensity
• Same as binging with focus on preventing the crash

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Patterns of Abuse
The low intensity pattern of use does not include
the rush of binge use
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Meth is Spreading Nationwide

• Higher rates of use in rural areas, but
  increasingly present in cities as well
• Has spread from west to east in U.S.
• Concentrated enforcement efforts have decreased
  domestic production in small labs, but
  trafficking from Mexico has increased
• Imported meth is purer and may have contributed
  to a rise in meth addiction and treatment
  admissions

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Demographics of Meth

• Though traditionally associated with white males
  in their 20s and 30s
• Most meth users are 18-25 years old
• Average age of first use is 20-24
• Women make up 45 of those in treatment for meth
  addiction
• Individuals often start using meth to
• Help alleviate stress
• Help lose weight
• Increase energy and productivity
• Intense high/euphoric effect

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Vicki One womans story of use and
recovery Video Courtesy of Community Anti-Drug
Coalitions of America (CADCA)
Click box to view
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Hard-Hit Industries and Occupations

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Retail and sales
• Food services
• Certain sectors of transportation
• White collar jobs
• Athletics

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Meth at Work

• Research shows that meth use among workers does
  appear to be decreasing
• Recent Drug Testing Index showed decrease in
  workplace drug screens testing positive for
  amphetamines
• When meth is used at worksites, it is likely to
  be taken orally, mixed in a drink or snorted
• Worker use before on the clock is also of
  serious concern

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Dealing with Meth in the
Workplace

• Employers, supervisors or managers should not
  attempt to diagnose a meth problem
• Focus should always be on work performance
• Recognizing the signs and symptoms of meth will
  prepare/equip employers to confront behavior and
  intervene appropriately

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Signs Symptoms of Meth Use in the Workplace

• Initially can cause high level of productivity,
  but this will not last
• While on meth individuals tend to be
• Careless unreliable
• Involved in numerous accidents which damage
  equipment or property or injure themselves or
  others
• Unable to focus on details of routine duties or
  follow directions
• Argumentative
• Risk takers who disregard safety

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Meth Prevention in the Workplace Setting

• Best deterrent is a drug-free workplace, one
  where
• All employees understand that substance abuse
  while working is not acceptable and
• Workplace policies and programs discourage
  substance abuse and facilitate treatment and
  recovery

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Five-Step Approach to a Drug-Free Workplace
Program

• Drug-Free Workplace policy and procedures
• Employee awareness and education
• Supervisor training
• Employee assistance program
• Drug testing

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Meth Treatment

• Recovery from meth addiction is possible, but
  takes time
• No anti-meth medication exists
• Studies show that behavioral therapy is helpful
• Outlook is becoming more positive as more studies
  are conducted and the drugs effects are better
  understood

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Meth Treatment in the Workplace Setting

• Many people in recovery lead successful lives,
  contributing positively to workplaces and
  communities
• Workplace practices can help meth users get to
  treatment
• Drug-free workplace programs that includes
  assistance for employees
• Coverage for drug treatment in group health
  insurance plans
• Follow-up is essential

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Drug-Free Workplace Resources

• Department of Labors Working Partners for an
  Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Program
  www.dol.gov/workingpartners
• Center for Substance Abuse Workplace Helpline
  1-800-WORKPLACE
• Employee Assistance Professionals Association
  (EAPA) www.eapassn.org
• Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association
  (DATIA) www.datia.org

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Meth-Specific Resources

• Dept. of Justice Meth Awareness Site
  www.justice.gov/methawareness/
• MethResources.gov
  www.methresources.gov
• National MethWatch Program
  www.methwatch.com

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Sources of Help for Individuals

• Crystal Meth Anonymous
  www.crystalmeth.org
• Substance Abuse Treatment Locator
  www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov Phone
  1-800-662-HELP
• Partnership for a Drug-Free America
  www.drugfree.org

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www.dol.gov/workingpartners