Smoking, drugs and alcohol at work

What falls under substance use?

Substance use is a **collective term** for the use of a range of substances that have a different effect on our brains. Therefore, they are also called **psychoactive substances**. This includes both **smoking** (tobacco and vaping) and the use of **alcohol**, (illegal) **drugs**, and psychoactive **medication** such as sleeping pills and tranquilizers, antidepressants, etc.

When using these substances, **brain stimuli** cause various **mental and physical effects** and influence our feelings, senses, and consciousness.

Based on these effects, substances can be divided into three main groups:

Uplifting/stimulating substances

They increase heart rate, stimulate the nerves, and make the user extra alert. These are often found in the workplace to cope with the work pace.

Examples are caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, XTC and amphetamines such as speed.

Depressant/sedative substances

They have a calming and relaxing effect. They make the user numb, carefree, and passive.

Examples are alcohol, sleeping pills and tranquilizers, hash, cannabis, GHB, opiates such as heroin, morphine and opium.

Hallucinogenic/mind-altering substances

They bring the user into a different subconscious state of mind. He or she starts seeing things that are not there (delusions).

Examples are LSD, cannabis and other psychedelic drugs.

What is the impact of smoking, drugs, medication, and alcohol at work?

Substance abuse can serious consequences have and this both on physical, psychological, social, and professional levels. This is certainly the case with illegal drug use, but too much alcohol or the use of psychoactive medication at work is not always as harmless as it sometimes seems.

Below is a selection of the problems that in the workplace can arise:

Reduced safety: the use of psychoactive substances affects the judgment and coordination of employees, increasing the risk of industrial accidents.
Loss of productivity: concentration difficulties can lead to poorer performance. Increased absenteeism and absence create extra workload and stress for colleagues.
Conflicts at work: the risk of annoyance and even aggression and transgressive behaviour is high, and this can cause tensions and a negative atmosphere in the workplace.

Legislation on smoking, alcohol and drugs at work

An alcohol and drug policy or smoking policy is the foundation from which to address problems related to substance use at work. It contains all guidelines and agreements about what is and is not allowed, who does what if things go wrong, and what is expected of employees and managers.

A policy must therefore be drawn up tailored to each organisation. Our prevention advisers for psychosocial aspects support you step by step in this.

Alcohol and drug policy

Every company must develop a preventive alcohol and drug policy.

The legislation distinguishes two phases. The first phase obliges the employer to draw up a policy statement on the topic. The second phase involves drawing up the company's rules and procedures for dealing appropriately with alcohol and drugs at work.

Smoking policy

Working on a policy regarding smoking at work improves the health of employees and is the best way to protect employees from passive smoking.

In addition to health benefits, a smoking policy also has social and economic benefits (less discussion due to clear agreements, less illness by encouraging a healthy lifestyle in general) and it thereby meets the legal obligations.

Nowadays, every organisation must implement a policy to reduce tobacco use at work, and it is generally also simply forbidden to smoke at the workplace itself. The policy must not give rise to discrimination.

2 smoking people outside a company building

Support via Premed

Sensitizing employees

Besides supporting organisations in developing a policy, Premed can sensitize your employees about the risks of work-related alcohol and drug use and how to react when problems arise.

Supporting employees

An employee experiencing problems with alcohol or drug use can always contact our prevention advisers for psychosocial aspects or our occupational physicians. They assist the employee with advice and, if necessary, help them find the way to appropriate care.

Stopping smoking

If you want to draw attention to quitting smoking in your organisation, we can provide an info session for all interested parties. For real smoking cessation guidance, in group or individually, we work together with a recognized tobacconist.

Smoking, drugs and alcohol at work

What falls under substance use?

What is the impact of smoking, drugs, medication, and alcohol at work?