Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic Drug Abuse in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide
Testify Drug Testings analysis paints a stark picture of the dangers lurking in the shadows of designer/synthetic drugs infiltrating workplaces across Australia.
These man-made imitators of established drugs like cannabis and amphetamines offer a deceptive allure, mimicking familiar highs while cloaking a sinister reality of unpredictability and severe health risks.
What are we dealing with:
Synthetic drugs, never intended for human consumption, were born in research labs or repurposed from medicines.
But their creators, driven by a twisted game of evading laws, constantly manipulate their chemical formulas, making them a moving target for regulation. What you think you're buying today might be entirely different tomorrow, adding an extra layer of danger to this already volatile mix.
These chemical chameleons go by a thousand names: herbal incense, party pills, bath salts, the list goes on.
But beneath the colorful packaging and catchy branding lies a harsh reality:
Synthetic Cannabis:
While natural cannabis boasts a relatively benign profile, its synthetic counterpart is a toxic beast. Overdoses, addiction, heart problems, and even severe psychotic episodes are just some of the horrors it unleashes.
Cathinones:
Mimicking the rush of amphetamines and cocaine, these amphetamine-like stimulants come with a hefty price tag. Paranoia, hallucinations, panic attacks, and even violent delirium are among the potential side effects.
Bath Salts (NBOMe's):
The most dangerous player in this synthetic game, these drugs blend the potent highs of methamphetamine with the mind-bending chaos of LSD. Think addiction, psychosis, and excited delirium amplified to a life-threatening volume.
Effects on the Body:
Predicting the impact of synthetic drugs is a fool's errand. Their ever-changing composition and cocktail of unknown chemicals wreak havoc on the body, potentially causing:
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Erratic heartbeats and cardiovascular distress
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Paranoia and heightened anxiety
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Violent outbursts and erratic behavior
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Fragile emotions and diminished cognitive abilities
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Nightmarish hallucinations and muscular pain
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Appetite loss, seizures, and suicidal thoughts
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Dissociation, rapid breathing, and uncontrolled heart rate
And in the worst-case scenario, death.
Synthetic Drugs in the Workplace: A Ticking Time Bomb
For employers, synthetic drug abuse represents a double threat. Distracted, agitated workers with impaired judgment pose a safety hazard, especially around machinery or vehicles. Seizures and psychotic episodes can escalate into accidents with devastating consequences.
Protecting Your Workplace:
The only way to combat this menace is through a proactive approach:
Clear and comprehensive drug and alcohol policies: Leave no room for ambiguity. Set firm expectations and outline consequences for violation.
Education and awareness programs: Inform your employees about the dangers of synthetic drugs, dispelling myths and promoting responsible decision-making.
Drug testing programs: Implement effective testing procedures to identify and address potential abuse within your workforce.
Remember, synthetic drugs are not just a passing fad; they are a silent threat with the potential to cripple lives and workplaces. By staying informed, educating your employees, and implementing necessary protocols, you can create a safer environment for everyone and shield your business from the devastating consequences of synthetic drug abuse.
How we test for Synthetic Drugs
The ever-changing compounds that make up synthetic drugs can make it difficult for standard drug tests to detect them.
Testify Drug Testing is partnered with Psychmedics to provide analysis for a range of synthetic drugs including Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Cathinone, Piperazines, NBoMes, Ketamine and Flakka.
Testing should be carried out on Hair Follicle Testing as this is the most reliable way to detect synthetic drugs.
Our drug test panels are constantly updated to be able to detect the chemicals that are used in synthetic drugs, and our scientific team constantly monitors the compounds that get struck off or added to the list of ingredients.
Testify Drug Testing is also committed to improving its existing synthetic cannabis drug test regime as well as developing new synthetic drug testing methods to help deal with synthetic drugs at workplace concerns.