Drug Awareness Training

Illegal and prescription drug abuse impacts all members of society. In the workplace, it is a direct threat to co-workers and others the person comes into contact with during the workday. In schools, drug use poses a danger to all students. Drug abuse is destructive to the individual, as well as family members. A number of profit and not-for-profit organizations offer drug awareness training to individuals and businesses.

Significance

• Drug awareness training is designed to increase an individual's knowledge of illegal and illicit drug abuse. The course content differs by training course. A typical awareness course for the workplace might cover the following training modules: how to overcome manager and supervisor denial; the duties and obligations to maintain a drug-free workplace; how to identify employees using drugs; and how to approach employees in a manner that meets legal requirements. Other courses are designed to increase general knowledge. Topics for this type of course include an introduction to drug use and statistics, the risks of drug use, drug terminology and methods to reduce harm.

Benefits

• Drug awareness training benefits users and those who come into contact with users. It is often used by companies to prevent workplace injuries and lawsuits. It can help family members identify adolescent and adult drug use. Many programs provide resources to assist family members if drug use is suspected. For users, awareness training can help identify the risks and potential harm. For companies and schools, it is a valuable resource in the development of drug-free policies.

Considerations

• Courses are designed to assist managers, employees, teachers and family members to recognize drug use. There are several considerations before selecting a training source, including rational, need and desired outcome. Consider the goal of the awareness training. Use questions as an aid to course selection. For example, is the training for managers or employees? Is it combat a current problem or a preventative measure? Are there cost, company policy or legal implications? These and other questions are valuable in designing the choice-outcome criteria for selection.

Resources

• Drug awareness training courses are offered in many formats. OSH and Training Link Education S.E.A offer online awareness training for individuals and companies. Narconon International offers drug awareness training and seminars for employees, supervisors and family members. Narconon International is a non-profit, public benefit organization. Employee seminars are given on-site. The Institute of Behavioral Research offers the Team Awareness program: Training for Workplace Substance Abuse Prevention. The downloadable lessons are interactive and include role play, self-assessments, group discussions and board games. The program is the first to be recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a model prevention program.

Cost

• Some organizations offer the training for free, while others charge a fee. The cost of awareness programs differ depending on the format, number of persons attending and the organization that provides the training. For example, the cost for the OSH workplace training program is $65 per employee, while the course offered by the Institute of Behavioral Research is free.

Warning

• Research indicates there needs to be more focus on OTC and prescription drug use. The 2008 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) found that more parents are talking to their children about drugs. Thirty-seven percent of students reported learning about the risks of drugs from parents. This number is up five percent from the previous year. The study found not enough parents are warning their children about OTC and prescription drugs. According to Steve Pasierb, President of the Partnership, "too many parents are still missing key opportunities to talk about the intentional abuse of prescription and OTC medications...the most pressing -- and least understood -- threat to our kids." Pasierb's concerns were published in the article "Award-Winning Drug Awareness Campaign Enters Next Phase" on the Drugfree.org website.