PSY 425 CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

IN THE WORKPLACE Complete

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and Team Assignments UOP
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PSY 425 Entire Course Discussion Questions

Week Four Discussion Questions

Week 1 DQ 1

How does drug abuse affect the work place?

Substance abuse affects the workplace in a variety of ways. Whether it be illegal

narcotics, prescription drugs, or alcohol the affects are all similar. These types of
substances can impair an individuals judgment and can cause serious safety issues
among other things. These are some of the problems inherent from substance
abuse in the workplace:

More absenteeism and tardiness can be expected along with job-related accidents.
Businesses lose money each year because of substance abuse.
Employees who use drugs in the workplace are less productive than non-users.
Thefts rise along with damaged equipment and other unnecessary costs.

Non-users may have to work harder to make up for the problem employees (Dfaf,
2008).
Larger corporations have a better handle on drug issues as they have established
drug policies in effect and many of these corporations implement random drug
tests. Smaller businesses are affected the most as they do not have established
drug policies, usually do not require drug testing, and do not have the financial
reserves to cover company related accidents. I have personally seen a few
individuals lose their jobs because of drug abuse. One recently was an employee in
his mid 20s. Someone called and said his truck was driving erratically on the road.
To make a long story short he failed the drug test. Substance abuse in the
workplace not only affects the business and fellow employees but it also affects the
family life. This individual had a wife and new infant.

References

Dfaf. (2008). How Does Substance Abuse Affect the Workplace. Retrieved
fromhttp://www.dfaf.org/content/how-does-substance-abuse-affect-workplace

Week 1 DQ 2

Why do you think people are reluctant to confront illegal drug use in families or the
workplace?

Its a sensitive issue in families. Most individuals do not want to cause a rift between
family members. It is one thing to speculate that someone is using drugs as false
accusations could cause more problems, and it is another to know a family member
is using and back him or her into a corner. I have personal experience with family
members and friends using hard drugs so I have been in those situations. One of my
relatives and her boyfriend both hit rock bottom before anyone really said anything
to them. It took jail time and child services to straighten them out. No one in the
family really wanted to say anything because I think everyone believed they would
have denied it. I also had a friend who passed away about 3 months ago from a
drug overdose. I constantly tried talking to him about the implications of what he
was doing to his son, family, and friends but the drugs had too hard a hold on him.
It was hard for me to bring the subject up because it was uncomfortable for both of
us.

In the job place employers must watch confronting someone about drug abuse
unless they have absolute proof. Lawsuits are a far too prevalent these days. I think
the crux of the situation is the comfort level people are stepping out of. It can be
hard to talk to someone about drug abuse without portraying ones self as a nosy
body when the real reason is the person cares.

Week 2 DQ 1

How has the perception of some drugs changed over time? How have some drugs
become more or less socially accepted and in what context?

Specifically speaking, the perception of marijuana has changed dramatically. In

2003 it was estimated that some 25 million people in America used the drug in
some capacity. A contributing factor to this statistic stems from the reduced
penalties. According to Rosalie Liccardo Pacula (2005, para. 2), during the 1990s
several states reduced the penalties or criminal status of first-time marijuana
possession offences involving small quantities of marijuana and some other states
enacted legislation that gave patients protection from prosecution in state courts if
they used or grew marijuana for medicinal purposes. The medical use of marijuana
is slowly becoming more accepted as more states adapt laws for medicinal use.

Personally I believe one drug that has become less socially accepted is oxycontin.
Individuals who ingest large doses of the pill are at risk of respiratory depression
that can ultimately lead to death. Inexperienced or new users are at larger risk
because he or she may be unaware of dose amounts and tolerance for the drug.
Also users experience withdrawal symptoms such as bone/muscle pain, diarrhea,
restlessness, insomnia, cold flashes, and vomiting (NDIC, 2003). Oxy has become so
widespread that stiffer penalties may be imposed on convicted distributers, etc.

References

NDIC. (2003). Oxycontin Fast Facts. Retrieved from

http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs6/6025/index.htm

Pacula. (2005, Winter). Marijuana Use and Policy: What We Know and Have Yet To
Learn. Retrieved fromhttp://www.nber.org/reporter/winter05/pacula.html

Week 2 DQ 2

What effect can drug use have on families? What resources are available to family
members of drug abusers?

Addiction is often called a family disease because not only is the user affected but
also each member of the family who deals with the individuals problems. Whether
the loved one with addiction is an alcoholic, does illicit drugs, takes prescription
drugs for nonmedical purposes, or engages in compulsive behaviors such as
gambling, work, sex, shopping, or eating, these actions and behaviors affect
everyone in the family (Drug Addiction, 2010). I have seen a handful of families
affected by addicts and it is sad to see. One of best friends put his mom through
hell before drugs finally took his life.

According to Arcouncil (2010, para. 4), Substance abuse is a major public health
problem that puts millions of adolescents at increased risk for alcohol- and drugrelated traffic accidents, risky sexual practices, poor academic performance,
juvenile delinquency, and developmental problems. Dealing with kids who are
addicts can take years off of ones life.

Resources exist in which families can access for help coping with addicts. The
common avenues that most of us already know are the 12 step programs and AA.
With the advent of the internet a plethora of options exist for family help resources.
One need only search the numerous websites available for assistance in coping and
helping addicts in the family.

References

Arcouncil. (2010). Help For Family Members. Retrieved from

http://www.arcouncil.net/help-for-family.html

Drug Addiction Treatment. (2010, August 25). How Does Drug Addiction Affect the
Family. Retrieved fromhttp://www.drugaddictiontreatment.com/addiction-in-thenews/addiction-news/how-does-addiction-affect-the-family/

Week 3 DQ 1

In what ways may an employer be an enabler to an employee using drugs? How

may this be avoided?

I could not find a whole lot of information on employers enabling drug use so I will
speak from experience. Pulling from a previous discussion question, small shops
generally do not have implemented drug policies. Because of this employees feel
more enabled to use drugs as he or she sees no concrete repercussions. Also if the
owner or manager of the shop does drugs himself he or she will be more apt to look
the other way when drug use is suspected.

Another way employers enable drug use is by giving employees too many chances.
A person with a real drug problem who is given more than one chance to change
may think, why change Ill keep getting second chances. Second chances do help
some individuals clean up although sometimes I do not agree with the way it is
accomplished. About a year ago an employee received a DUI and his CDL was
limited because of it. About 6 months later he received another DUI and lost his
CDL. The company decided to promote him to a different position with around a
$15k raise. Did he straighten up? Maybe, but how is this fair to individuals who are
trying to promote from hard work?

Ways in which to help stop enabling drug use are as follows:

1. Drug free workplace policy.

2. Supervisor Training.

3. Employee Education.

4. Drug Testing.

5. Crisis management.

6. Employee Assistance (Stanley, 2009).

References

Stanley, T.L. (2009). Workplace Substance Abuse: A Grave Problem. Supervision,

70(6), 18-21

Week 3 DQ 2

What in your work environment might encourage or discourage drug use?

I work for a major multi-state energy company. The biggest as of the present time.
Drug policies are prevalent throughout the service centers, offices, etc. along with
information about treatment programs and help hotlines. The pay is very good and
job security is better than most jobs out there. I personally could not find a reason
to jeopardize my career here for quick high. However that is only my view. There
are 17000+ other employees who work here as well.

I think factors that could contribute to drug use would work related stress and
dangerous conditions. Safety is a huge concern here as there are high voltages
throughout the system. Electrical shock is still something very apparent although it
is very rare. I think the added stress from hidden dangers and days with long work
hours could be a contributing factor.

For the most part though, drugs are not a problem. As we are required to carry a
class A CDL we are subject to both the companys drug testing and the CDL random
drug test. The chances are too great for a test to occur. Also the legal limit for CDL
owners is .02. It could conceivably take one beer to receive a DUI. I think the
policies in place here do an excellent job of deterring drug use.

Week 4 DQ 1

Should an employer base employment on a drug tests results?

While some may consider drug testing, credit checks, reference checks, and other
pre-employment checks to be Gestapo tactics, they are a requirement for many
companies. And, yes, in most cases they are legal (College Grad, 2012, para. 1). As
someone who dabbled in recreational substances some 20 years ago I do agree that
employment should be based on test results. I worked at Lincoln Electric and
Kraftmaid before I obtained employment at my current profession. Both were
factories and both contained substance abusers above the norm. These types of
factories are dangerous sober so one can understand that not working under full
faculties can result in injuries or death. Drug tests are very accurate. An employer
does not want to hire someone who tests positive for drug use and put themselves
in a situation where they must spend extra resources to deal with his or her
problem. Also lets face it; if someone cannot refrain from drug use prior to a drug
screening what does that really say about that individual?

College Grad explains that signing the application document gives the employer the
right to perform whatever tests are needed for employment. It is legal and I believe
it is necessary for safe working conditions.

References

College Grad. (2012). Drug Testing and Other Possible Conditions of Employment.
Retrieved fromhttp://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/New-Job-Preparation/DrugTesting-And-Other-Possible-Conditions-Of-Employment/

Week 4 DQ 2

In your state, is requiring drug testing for cause or at random legal?

Yes it is legal as long as certain steps are followed. The legal views for drug testing
in Ohio define some jobs as mandatory for drug testing such as state construction
contract workers, and also permits employers to choose jobs for which they would
like to have drug tests carried out (Test Country, 2012, para. 1). All tests must
follow state law, and any employer who participates in the program must maintain
mandatory reports and statistics of the employees. Below is a list of items essential
for lawful drug screenings and random tests:

Legal view: (as stated above)

Policy: A written policy is essential for both direct employees and state contracted
employees.
Timing of tests: All applicants must be informed of drug screenings before an
employment contract is signed. Random testing is legal and plausible cause testing
is legal after observing behavior.
Procedure of testing: Testing is mandated by state law. If a certain test cannot be
carried out, alternatives are spelt out. Attention is paid to necessary procedures to
maintain integrity of the tests and safety of employees. DOT procedures are
required to be conducted (Test Country, para. 4).
References

Test Country. (2012). 10 Things to Know About Workplace Drug Testing State Laws
and Regulations in Ohio. Retrieved fromhttp://www.testcountry.org/10-things-toknow-about-workplace-drug-testing-state-laws-and-regulations-in-ohio.htm

Week 5 DQ 1

How effective is mandated treatment?

I have always thought that forcing someone to change his or her ways was an
ineffective process for individuals. However, I have never had to undergo treatment
of any kind so I cannot speak from experience. I believe it depends on the
individual, their level of addiction, and the people that surround him or her.

Frank Miller speaks of an experienced doctor in the treatment field. He speaks of Dr.
Kathleen Bradys experiences from the South Carolina Medical University, I have
not had one patient that came in because he or she woke up out of the clear blue
and said they were an addict almost everyone has their arm twisted behind their
back by something; trouble at work, wife, kids, friends, etc. (HBO, 2012).

I think the key is providing a stable and friendly treatment atmosphere. Staff should
treat clients with respect and understand what he or she is going through. Staff
should also be able to treat the clients individual needs (Miller, 99).

I think the key is understanding the individuals needs and treating them respect.
We have all had to change things we were reluctant to sometime in our lives.
Addicts usually do not know they have a problem until it is repeatedly pointed out to
them.

References

HBO. (2012). Mandated Treatment. Retrieved from

www.hbo.com/addiction/treatment/375_mandated_treatment.html

Miller, F. (2009, Summer). Mandated Treatment for Substance Abuse: Recognizing

Ethical Issues. Retrieved from http://www/sassi.com/docs/news_7_2.htm

Week 5 DQ 2

Which treatment option do you think is most effective?

Before expanding on this question understanding the different treatment options is

essential.

Medications: Alternative
Withdrawal
3. Outpatient behavioral treatment
Residential treatment
Treatment in the criminal justice system
I cannot say I believe any one treatment works best for all individuals. Each
individual has his or her own set of ethics, rules, beliefs, etc. Speaking from
personal experience I believe treatment without any medication is essential.
Whatever that treatment may be; AA, in or out patient, etc, I think medication only
switches addiction to another desire. My friend, whom I have mentioned numerous
times thus far went through numerous treatment programs and almost all of them
offered methadone or some other heroin replacement. Methadone is a nasty drug in
itself and it can kill as well.

I believe the best type of treatment is cold-turkey. Go through the withdrawals, beat
the physical addiction, and then treat the mental addiction. I have never been
addicted to anything other than cigarettes. That was a very hard addiction to beat. I
quit more times than I can count but ultimately I quit cold turkey. I always thought
relying on some other replacement would eventually lead back to the real thing. I
did not want any other associations with the habit other than what I had already
created. I am not an expert on addiction but I have been around it my whole life so I
am an versed by experience and association. The best advice I can give is do not
give up on the people you love. Sometimes that is all it takes to keep someone from
falling off the precipice.

References

NIDA. (2009, September). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. Retrieved from
http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/treatmeth.html

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