How to Identify Meth/Ice Abuse in the Workplace

How to Identify Meth/Ice Abuse in the Workplace

There are many different methamphetamine recipes, from mixtures based on over the counter drugs to mass produced laboratory types of the drug. Some of these mixtures include drain cleaner, and other toxic chemicals. Methamphetamines are extremely strong stimulants of the central nervous system. The effects can last up to 24 hours.

Meth is a top priority risk management issue in workplace drug program management. Meth is an extremely dangerous drug, which is known to cause violent and criminal behavior. Some Drug tests in work situations should be conducted on a “Reasonable cause to suspect” basis. Standard tests using the saliva drug test and urine drug test usually are sufficient to identify methamphetamine.

Effects of meth on users and related risks

Ice is a powerful psychoactive drug. It has been known to cause actual personality change, and is widely associated with acts of violence.
Physical effects include:

Lack of appetite
High rate of physical activities
Hypothermia
Increased respiration
Raised blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Cardiovascular conditions including collapse and erratic heart beat

Additional effects, based on the stimulation of the central nervous system, may include:

Convulsions
Hallucinations
Blurred vision
Spasms
Confusion
Bad temper
Anxiety, paranoia
Insomnia

The risks are even worse. These effects are caused by the stimulant and chemical effects of meth:

Heart attack
Hypothermia leading to death
Stroke caused by clotting effect of meth in the bloodstream
Malnutrition and significant loss of body mass
Liver damage
Kidney damage
Loss of coordination

Note: These are typical effects based on the fundamental meth compound. The “recipes” may have additional toxic effects.

Physical signs of current meth intoxication

The strong levels of stimulation produce some obvious effects :

High levels of energy
Rapid rambling speech
Sweating
Aggressive mentality
Dilated pupils

Personality indicators (current and long term) of meth intoxication

Case studies of meth usage indicate a pattern of complex but invariably disastrous personality effects over time.

The known effects of meth usage are:

Personality changes: The user becomes a different person, relative to their pre-usage self. Family members report serious breakdowns of family relationships after a relatively short period of use.

Behavioral changes: The user is likely to adopt a “junkie lifestyle”, associate with other users, and be hostile or aggressive. After usage, users may be depressed, anxious, and suffering from emotional confusion and disorientation.

Physical signs of ongoing meth abuse and effects on users

Studies have found that the effects of ongoing use of meth are all bad. The signs of ongoing usage are:

“Aging” and a bizarre distortion of the facial features
Frequent long term lesions, blotches, and discolorations on the skin.