Drug Testing: What is Screened?

The use of alcohol and recreational drugs can present a significant health and safety hazard in the workplace. Organisations conduct random and pre-employment drug and alcohol tests to help detect the use of alcohol, prescription drugs and illicit drugs, allowing for control measures to be initiated. In addition to alcohol, drug and alcohol screens the following drugs.

1.  What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) refers to a cannabinoid and is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, also known as marijuana, a psychoactive drug. The use of the drug can cause decreased concentration and body coordination and impaired judgment. This affects high-risk jobs like manufacturing, where workers are operating dangerous machinery.

2.  What are amphetamines?

Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. The drug causes impaired functioning due to a lack of coordination and altered mental states. Amphetamines make users feel more confident, contributing to recklessness, putting employees at risk of physical injury and accidents. This is especially true of cocaine abusers who operate heavy equipment.

3. What is cocaine?

Cocaine is a powerful, addictive stimulant drug that speeds up the activities in the central nervous system. The drug greatly affects the job performance of employees, with most likely to be tardy and absent from work most of the time. Being a strong stimulant, cocaine also fosters aggressive behaviour, and cocaine abusers can become violent, posing a threat to co-workers’ safety.

4. What are Opiates?

Opiates are drugs that are derivatives of the opium poppy, such as heroin, morphine, and codeine. Heroin, in particular, is one of the most addictive substances in the world. While it is significantly less popular among drug users than other illicit drugs in Australia, it’s still a major problem at work. The drug causes drastic altitude and behaviour change causing once-reliable individuals to become irresponsible or untrustworthy.

5. What is Phencyclidine?

Phencyclidine, also known as angel dust, is a dissociative drug that disconnects users from reality. PCP is associated with compulsive abuse with behavioural effects ranging from numbness, slurred speech, and balance loss.

All drugs have different detection windows and it important to understand each when implementing drug testing.

Find out more about our Drug & Alcohol Testing

Our services are available in multiple locations nationwide. For more information on our services enquire here. 

Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au