Subscribe Feed (RSS)Workplace Prescription Drug Abuse: Employees Abusing Prescription Drugs Is Bad Medicine
November 8th, 2008 by admin | Filed under Uncategorized.Prescription drugs are prescribed by doctors to cure people, so how can they be harmful? Because everyone’s body chemistry and tolerance to drugs is different, taking someone else’s prescription drugs can be harmful, even fatal. When doctors prescribe drugs, they evaluate many different factors. Drugs should only be used to alleviate conditions that are painful or harmful to your body, because even taking “safe” medicines carries risks.
In today’s workplace, employees sometimes take prescription medications not to alleviate medical conditions, but to numb feelings and zone out. This behavior negatively impacts the work being performed and can lead to accidents. Also, even though prescription drugs are legal, employees who sell or use drugs obtained illegitimately are breaking the law.
The two most frequently encountered drugs on the illicit market are Xanax™ (alprazolam) and Valium™ (diazepam). These drugs are depressants. Their abuse causes amnesia, hostility, irritability, and eventual physical dependence. When combined with alcohol, they can be deadly.
The abuse by employees of prescription drugs can most easily be detected by using 10-panel drug testing. All employee drug testing programs should include a Medical Review Officer. An MRO is a doctor who reviews the results of the drug test with the employee and confirms that the employee is taking a properly prescribed medication and has a valid prescription for the drug.
The Medical Review officer can also work with the employer to assist in determining if even a properly prescribed medication can impair the employee and be a danger in the workplace.
Neil Stolmaker is the President of ON-SITE Medical Testing Inc. OSMTI provides low-cost, high quality substance abuse testing programs to businesses and organizations. Our focus is on empowering employers and employees to work together for safe, drug free workplaces. Our web site offers tips and help for employers of all kinds. osmti.com osmti.com
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