Drug Use In England
The misuse of drugs, including alcohol and other substances can be harmful to your health in both the short term and the long term. In 2016/17 there were 7,545 hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of drug-related mental health and behavioural disorders in England (NHS England).
In 2016 24% of young people of school age reported having ever taken drugs which compares to 15% in 2014. Also in 2016 around 1 in 12 adults of working age (16 to 59) in England and Wales had taken an illicit drug in the last year. Cannabis was the most commonly used drug among this age group (NHS England).
This is a growing concern not only in England but across the UK. International stats were released that places England and Wales (29%) above the European average (26%) for adults having ever used cannabis. Lifetime use of cocaine among adults in England and Wales (10%) have also been placed above the European average (roughly 5%) and shows massive differences when compared to countries like Slovakia (0.7%) and Malta (0.5%).
The issue is understanding that these stats are for the working population among England and Wales. So not only are these stats placing England and Wales in a bad light but this in turn will spill over into workplaces around the wider UK.
Employers need to be vigilant of drug abuse in their workplace. To counteract the negative effects substance misuse can have on a company, many organisations implement a policy that outlines their expectations concerning working whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs. This is often referred to as a substance misuse policy and it enables employers to implement workplace drug and alcohol testing processes.
Employers hold the responsibility to ensure employees are fully aware of the company’s rules, regulations, testing and disciplinary procedures. The policy itself holds vital importance, providing employees with the knowledge of the standards expected of them.
For an overview of some of the key facts about drug use in England click here to view our new downloadable poster.
Randox Testing Services
Randox Testing Services is a market leader in the drug and alcohol testing industry. We aim to educate and inform companies and customers about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace and socially.
Contact us today at testingservices@randox.com or call 0 161 741 2760 to speak to one of our experts.