Meth Moves from Parties to the Workplace
Methamphetamine, once known as a party drug, is steadily making its way into the workplace. A growing number of overworked and stressed employees are using the drug to increase concentration and stamina, the Los Angeles Times reported Sept. 13.
"There is too much meth out there to explain this away as a party drug," said Dr. Richard Rawson, associate director of UCLA's Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, who has studied methamphetamines for more than a decade.
According to researchers, meth is most common on construction sites and in manufacturing plants, where workers must stay alert during long hours of repetitive work. Use of the drug is also growing in the entertainment, sales, retail, and legal professions.
"A lot of people look at this like it's No Doz -- just another way to keep them awake and on message," said Nancy Delogu, a Washington, D.C. attorney and an expert in workplace substance misuse.
According to a study conducted this summer by Quest Diagnostics Inc., which processes more than 7 million employee drug tests a year, the number of workers testing positive for meth increased 68 percent last year.
The drug's low cost, about $100 a month, makes it affordable for many workers. However, the accidents, absenteeism, and health costs associated with meth are becoming costly for businesses. Preliminary findings of research examining the economic impact of meth use in Benton County, Ark., finds that meth use cost employers $21 million last year, or $42,000 per affected worker.
"Employers are going to be surprised what this drug can mean to their bottom line," said study author Katherine Deck, associate director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas.
Despite the growing cost to businesses, many companies are doing little to address the problem. As a result, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun providing training materials to help employers recognize symptoms of the drug's use. In addition, the agency includes information about meth on its website.
"As this becomes a longer trend, we are definitely growing more worried," said Dr. Don Wright, director of occupational medicine at the agency.
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