Methamphetamine and the Workplace

A Department of Labor initiative engaging partners to make America’s workplaces safe, healthy and drug free

U.S. Departments of Justice and Labor

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

• 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

Methamphetamine Overview

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

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

Powder

Ice/Crystal Meth

Rock

Forms of Meth

Tablets

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

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

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

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

Patterns of Abuse

High Intensity

Binging

The low intensity pattern of use does not include the rush of binge use

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

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

Vicki: One woman’s story of use and recovery

Video Courtesy of Video Courtesy of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)

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• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Mining

• Retail and sales

• Food services

• Certain sectors of transportation

• White collar jobs

• Athletics

Hard-Hit Industries and Occupations

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

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

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

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

• Drug-Free Workplace policy and procedures

• Employee awareness and education

• Supervisor training

• Employee assistance program

• Drug testing

Five-Step Approach to a Drug-Free Workplace Program

• 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 drug’s effects are better understood

Meth Treatment

• 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

Meth Treatment in the Workplace Setting

Drug-Free Workplace Resources

• Department of Labor’s 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

• Dept. of Justice Meth Awareness Site www.justice.gov/methawareness/

• MethResources.gov www.methresources.gov

• National MethWatch Program www.methwatch.com

Meth-Specific Resources

• 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

Sources of Help for Individuals

www.dol.gov/workingpartners