News

Crime Prevention Committee: Drug Addiction is a Medical Condition

29 May, 2019

Changing the way you look at people with substance abuse disorders is a huge step forward to effectively address methamphetamine use in the country.

In an article by Esther Tan for The Sydney Morning Herald, the inquiry into crystal meth use in the country takes the special commission to Lismore. Here, approximately 130 per 100,000 people were charged with meth offences last year.

Lismore councillor, Mr. Eddie Lloyd believes a change in perspective could help everyone understand the popularity of the drug. For one, he suggests that the public and politicians need to change how we regard those with addiction problems.

“Let’s not go to war,” Mr. Lloyd says.

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New standard released for oral fluid (saliva) workplace drug testing in AUS & NZ

03 April, 2019

A new version of AS/NZS4760 has now been released, and contains a number of changes to the requirements for accredited testing for drugs of abuse in oral fluid (saliva).

As with any new standard in workplace drug testing, the change to the new requirements will evolve over the coming months as device manufacturers, on-site testing providers, regulatory bodies and others respond to the updated standard.

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The Truth About Drug Abuse In White Collar Professions

22 March, 2019

truth about drug abuse white collar professions

When thinking of a drug addict, most people picture someone lowly educated and living off crime. However, in Australia, the profile of a drug abuser challenges these stereotypes.

In our country, drug abuse is a problem not exclusive to unemployed or low skilled workers. In fact, there is one sector that is contributing to Australia’s steadily growing drug problem — the white collar professionals. The typical drug user in Australia is a professional with tertiary education.

A report by the National Drug Strategy Household Survey confirms this: a majority of cocaine users are between the ages of 20-39, educated, employed, and living in major cities. In addition, they also belong to the highest socioeconomic status. As Will Tregoning — founder of a non-profit organisation committed to challenging current drug policies — once said: “A lot of wealthy people take drugs.”

Read on to find out the incredible truth about drug abuse in white-collar professions in Australia.

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The MDMA Drug and Its Impact on the Australian Workplace

13 February, 2019

MDMA use is on the rise in Australia. In a shocking statement, even NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann recently came out about her own experience using drugs.

In her own words: “I’ve occasionally taken MDMA at dance parties and music festivals. I know journalists, tradies, lawyers, public servants, doctors, police and yes, politicians (most well into their forties), who have done the same.”

If Australians in high and respectable positions have taken MDMA — can you be sure that someone in your staff is not an MDMA user?

Fentanyl and Oxycodone – do Australian workplaces need to be alert or alarmed?

21 January, 2019

Fentanyl — brand names include Durogesic and Actiq — and Oxycodone — brand names include OxyContin and Endone — are prescription-only drugs in Australia.

Both have an effect similar to codeine but are much more powerful and potentially dangerous pain relievers than Codeine. Consequently, they are prescribed much less.

And unlike codeine, routine drug screens such as urine and saliva tests cannot detect Fentanyl and Oxycodone.

These powerful pain relievers have a strong effect on workplace performance. And extremely dangerous when used by someone in safety-specific tasks like driving, flying, and building.

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