Drug Use

Chances are that substance use will touch your life and the lives of your spouse, parent, child, or a friend. Over 22 million people have tried cocaine and 5,000 will try it for the first time every day. One in four Americans has tried marijuana; about 16-20 million people are frequent users of pot. There are millions of Americans who use prescription and over the counter drugs and millions of individuals who use more than one drug at a time.

It is difficult to know who will become dependent on drugs, but it is easy to see the effect of drug use in the workplace. Drugs affect employees’ judgment, performance, and safety levels. This affects all employees, drug users or not.

How do you know if you or someone you care about is chemically dependent? A dependent person can’t stop using drugs or alcohol. This use hurts the user and all those around him or her. Take this assessment. The more times that you find yourself answering “yes,” the more likely that you have a problem.

Answer “Yes” or “No” to the Following Questions:

• Do you use drugs to deal with stress or to escape from problems?
• Have you been unsuccessful at trying to stop using your drug?
• Have you been arrested because of your drug use?
• Do you have trouble having fun at social gatherings when you can’t use alcohol or drugs?
• Have your family, friends, or employer ever said that your use was a problem?
• Do you do things under the influence that you would not normally do?
• Have you ever thought that you might have a problem with drugs?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you may have a chemical dependency problem.

A variety of programs exist to help individuals gain control over self-destructive patterns of chemical dependency. These programs range from self-help groups, to outpatient educational groups, to intensive outpatient programs, to residential programs. Family support is helpful throughout the recovery process. Many programs require that family members or those who hold a significant place in your life attend programs with you. Sometimes it is hard to decide for yourself which program is best suited for you. A trained professional can help you reach the program that is best for you.

If Centerstone Solutions is your EAP contact us at (800) 766-0068. It’s free, confidential, and effective. The professionals at Centerstone Solutions can help you find the most appropriate and cost effective treatment available.