Fighting drug addiction in the workplace

For years now, experts have studied drug addiction or substance abuse, especially its causes, but they could not ascertain the exact cause that has afflicted a large section of the population, especially children and young adults.

There are two dominant theories on the matter, though.  That drug addiction is either caused by genetic predisposition or is a habit learned from others.  Since the second theory is supported by actual experience, we hold this as true, and thus provides the authorities a working guide on how to combat addiction.

A bad habit passed on by introduction from peer to peer can only thrive in places and venues common to both proponent and victim — venues such as a party, a bar, the school, home, and the workplace.

Authorities have had extensive experience in confronting substance abuse in parties and places of entertainment, and in schools. For the first time,  a government agency, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which supervises the police, will launch an anti-drugs campaign in the workplace.

On May 25, the DILG will launch this novel program called “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Workplace Program” in selected companies nationwide.  Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said that the objective of the program is to promote the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign in the private sector.
“We are coordinating with the different employers in the Philippines – the big ones. And we are going to sign agreements with them as part of the BIDA Program,” Abalos said.
The secretary noted that some private firms already have their own programs and policies that are aligned with the advocacies of the BIDA Workplace program, citing the conduct of random drug testing among personnel as an example.  In such random drug tests, if an employee is found to be positive for drugs, the DILG “will let the company handle the matter and enforce appropriate sanctions such as suspension, dismissal, or rehabilitation.”

Both employers and workers have signified their initial desire to cooperate and support the BIDA Workplace Program, mindful that the factories and offices, call center buildings, etc. should be drug-free to improve productivity and promote safety of all workers and officers.

They recognize that one of the characteristic signs of a substance abuse problem is the deterioration of workplace performance, absenteeism, etc.  The cognitive, emotional and behavioral impairment that results from drug or alcohol use can affect productivity, morale, and even safety of co-workers.

Programs such as this one from the DILG will also drive home the message that drug use disorders are associated with significant costs to society due to lost productivity, premature mortality, increased health care expenditure, and costs related to criminal justice, social welfare, and other social consequences.

As a whole-of-nation approach in fighting drug addiction, the BIDA Workplace Program deserves the support of all Filipinos.

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