Drug Awareness

This course has been designed to have a sustainable benefit for personnel who may be required to come into contact with employees who may be under the influence of drink or drugs in their role as Manager, Supervisor, First Aid responder, Health and Social Care workers or company nurses and others tasked within the responsibilities of Human Resources departments.

While recognising that each employer has variations in the way they identify persons under the influence, if at all, this training will provide an ability to identify any person under the influence of certain categories of drugs, so that they may take correct and appropriate action in accordance with company policy.

The training takes its provenance from the police service and a certificate of competence will be issued to those who successfully pass the course by the providing body.

Drugs in the workplace is a growing issue and recent studies have shown that, for example, 2% of the UK workforce regularly use Cocaine during work time, that the annual cost to industry for alcohol and drug abuse is around £8Bn and only 20% of companies have a workable drug and alcohol policy.

It is imperative that organisations understand their responsibilities in relation to drug and alcohol use and do not get caught out by the provisions of the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act and other Health and Safety provisions.

This training is a first step to understanding the issues of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace.

Learning outcomes:

• To be able to demonstrate skills to identify and interpret symptoms and signs associated with drug usage and influence
• To be effective in being able to deal with persons under the influence in line with appropriate policy

Aims & Objectives:

To provide relevant personnel with the skills and knowledge to recognise the symptoms and signs of person's under the influence of drink or drugs.

By the end of the session delegates will be better able to: -

• Explain in layman's terms how drugs affect the body
• Summarise and assess how drug influence recognition is used to detect signs and symptoms indicative of drug and alcohol impairment
• Define the term 'drug' and identify the 7 categories of drug
• Describe the seven drug categories
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the onset and duration of the effects of drugs
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the signs of overdose of each category or drug
• Compare and contrast the use of single drug use against multiple (poly) drug use
  

The following subjects will be discussed throughout the course:

• Drugs and the Human Body
• Overview of the 7 Drug Categories (Cannabis, Opiates, Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Dissassociative Anaesthetics)
• Common drugs of abuse in the workplace (discussed in detail)
• Cannabis
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Ecstacy
• Benzodiazepines
• Identifying signs and symptoms of abuse

Training will be delivered using a number of methodologies. Generally the session will be student centered with facilitated discussion, group exercises and the use of several types of visual aid. It is important that delegates understand that this session is interactive and relies upon their full participation. A brief final assessment in the form of written objective questions will take place.

By attending this session delegates will gain an understanding of the issues surrounding drug use and abuse and be able to make an informed judgement on whether a person may or may not be under the influence of drink or drugs and be able to act appropriately.

This is an introductory course, suitable for the below suggested targets. However, other disciplines not mentioned below may benefit from this training:

• Social Services
• Crown Prosecution Service
• Primary Care Trusts (PCT)
• Custody Nurses
• Company Nursing Staff
• HR Managers
• Shop Floor Supervisors
• Police Officers
• Prison Officers
• Registered Security Industry Authority (SIA) Organisations.
• Researchers.
  

Generally no previous knowledge on the subject is required as this is an introductory course. (Intermediate, Advanced and Advanced+ courses are also available)

This training will be provided in a manner commensurate with equal opportunity and diversity. It will fully support such policies in force and work closely with advisors where appropriate.

Any delegate who feels that they have been unduly discriminated against, or may have a particular problem with any aspect of the course, would be expected to report that grievance to the course trainers in the first instance, who will deal with the matter in accordance with any current procedures.

Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS)
AA1 - Recognise indications of substance misuse and refer individuals to specialists
AA2 - Relate to, and interact with, individuals
AA3 - Support individuals to access and use services and facilities
AA4 - Promote choice, well being and the protection of individuals
AB5 - Assess and act upon immediate risk of danger to substance users
AB8 - Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
AC1 - Reflect on and develop your practice
AD1 - Raise awareness about substances & their and effects