Alcohol and Commonly Tested Drugs: Signs, Effects, and Reasonable Suspicion

1. SIGNS, SYMPTOMS & REASONABLE SUSPICION

2. ALCOHOL • Acts primarily upon the central nervous system • Affects your sense, thoughts, emotions and behaviour • The body can metabolize about one standard drink per hour 12 oz beer (5% alcohol) 5 oz wine (12% alcohol) 1.5 oz hard liquor (40% alcohol)

3. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL USE • Lack of coordination • Constricted pupils • Bloodshot or watery eyes • Sleepy condition • Aggressive or antagonistic behaviour • Slurred speech • Slowed reaction time • Odour of alcohol

4. COMMONLY TESTED DRUGS –Standard 7 Panel • Amphetamines • Methamphetamines • MDMA • Cocaine • Marijuana • Opiates • PCP

5. AMPHETAMINES Adderall, Bennies, Uppers Effects: • Increased body temperature and blood pressure • Faster breathing • Increased energy and alertness • Decreased fatigue • Decreased appetite Signs of use: • Talkativeness • Loss of appetite • May appear very fidgety • Dilated pupils • Loss of fatigue

6. METHAMPHETAMINES Chalk, Crystal, Ice, Meth Effects: • Euphoria • Profuse sweating • Dilated pupils • Increased blood pressure • Paranoid behaviour Signs of use: • Long periods with no sleep • Loss of appetite • Significant weight loss • Unusually active • Nervous or anxious

7. MDMA Molly, E, Peace, X, XTC Effects: • Euphoria • Empathy • Increased energy • Altered perceptions • Nausea • Chills • Blurred vision • Distortions of time • High blood pressure • Sweating/overheating • Confusion or anxiety Signs of use: • High levels of stimulation • Increased energy • Acting abnormally friendly • Exaggerated pleasure from touch • Sweating • Dilated pupils • Tight, clenched jaw • Overheating • Collapse

8. COCAINE Coke, Crack, Blow, Soft, Snow Effects: • Short lived intense high • Irritability and anxiety • Decreased appetite • Disturbed sleep patterns • High blood pressure Signs of use: • Alertness • Dilated pupils • Wide mood and energy swings • Profuse sweating • Runny or irritated nose

9. OPIATES Morphine, Codeine Effects: • Relief from pain • State of contentment, freedom from emotional distress • Weight loss • Euphoria Signs of use: • Noticeable elation • Marked sedation/drowsiness • Confusion • Constricted pupils • Slowed breathing • Shifting or dramatically changing moods

10. PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP) Angel Dust, Wet, Peace Pill, Zoom Effects: • Numbness and relaxation • Euphoria • Problems concentrating • Slurred speech • Misperceptions of abilities • Odd erratic behaviours • Seeing/hearing things that aren’t present • Higher blood pressure and heart rate Signs of use: • Impaired coordination • Incoherent speech • Extreme mood swings • Violent and combative • Profuse sweating • Involuntary jerky eye movements

11. MARIJUANA Cannabis, Weed, Pot, Grass Effects: • Euphoria • Increased appetite • Foggy or slow memory • Lowered inhibitions • Impaired judgment • Dizziness • Sedation, slow movement • Lethargy Signs of use: • Poor muscle and limb coordination • Bloodshot eyes • Delayed reaction times and abilities • Increased heart rate • Distorted sense perception • Slowed speech • Distinctive smell

12. THE REASONABLE SUSPICION PROCESS • OBSERVATION– personally witness any uncharacteristic behaviour • CONFIRMATION– Confirm observations • DOCUMENTATION– document observations • DISCUSSION– discuss your suspicion with the worker • TESTING– direct the worker to undergo testing

13. OBSERVATION • You personally witness any unusual or uncharacteristic behaviour exhibited by a worker you supervise • A trained supervisor from another party may not request reasonable suspicion testing for a worker they do not supervise • You must personally observe before requesting reasonable suspicion testing. Testing is not permitted based on third party observations.

14. CONFIRMATION Changes in behaviour: • Mood and attitude • Life at home • Isolation • Secretive or defensive • Alterations in the workers lifestyle • Use of alcohol with justification • Need for medication Changes in job performance: • Unsatisfactory • Numerous accidents • Difficulties dealing with people • Absenteeism • Frequent illness/time off • Avoidance of supervisors

15. CONFIRMATION Changes in physical appearance: • Deterioration in personal hygiene • Agitation or drowsiness • Rapid or slurred speech • Lack of coordination • Nausea or other physical symptoms Other changes: • Concern from others • Legal or financial troubles • Increase in insurance claims • Frequent need to borrow money • Non-work related visitors

16. DOCUMENTATION • You must specifically and clearly state, in writing, your observations • Must be based on specific and articulable observations made in the same period of time • Prepare and sign documentation within 24 hours • Document all conversations between you and the employee • Documentation should be clear, concise and specific

17. DISCUSSION • Direct without being antagonistic • Be clear and specific • Give the employee an opportunity to respond and discuss solutions • Immediately remove the worker from safety sensitive functions • Keys to a constructive discussion: • Set the tone • Present your observations • Clarify expectations • Listen to response

18. DISCUSSION Set the tone: • Private setting • Reason for meeting • Keep it confidential • Acknowledge good performance • Express concern Present your observations: • Stay in control • Explain your observations • Stick to the facts • Cite your policy and regulations • Refer only to job related behaviour

19. DISCUSSION Clarify expectations: • Cite job description • Clearly explain improvements needed Listen to response: • Allow time to respond • Offer support • Provide relevant referral information, don’t counsel

20. TESTING • Direct the worker to undergo testing • Never allow a worker to transport themselves to the testing facility • If the worker refuses the test, refer to your drug and alcohol policy

21. LET’S REVIEW Reasonable Suspicion training is your best defense!

22. Thanks! You can find me at: bmcdonald@wellpoint.ca 306.986.1022