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5.6 Substance Abuse at Work

Types of Substances

Category Examples Examples of General Effects

Alcohol beer, wine, spirits impaired judgement, slowed reflexes, impaired
motor function, sleepiness or drowsiness,
coma, overdose may be fatal

Cannabis marijuana, hashish distorted sense of time, impaired memory,
impaired coordination

Depressants sleeping medicines, inattention, slowed reflexes, depression,
sedatives, some impaired balance, drowsiness, coma, overdose
tranquilizers may be fatal
Hallucinogens LSD (lysergic acid inattention, sensory illusions, hallucinations,
diethylamide), PCP disorientation, psychosis
(phencyclidine), mescaline

Inhalants hydrocarbons, solvents, intoxication similar to alcohol, dizziness,
gasoline headache

Nicotine cigarettes, chewing tobacco, initial stimulant, later depressant effects
snuff

Opiates morphine, heroin, codeine, loss of interest, "nodding", overdose may be
some prescription pain fatal. If used by injection, the sharing of
medications needles may spread Hepatitis B, or C and
HIV/AIDS.
Stimulants cocaine, amphetamines elevated mood, overactivity, tension/anxiety,
rapid heartbeat, constriction of blood vessels

Risks to Health and Safety from Substance Abuse at Work

Alcohol is a stimulant drug that acts as a central
nervous system depressant, impairing senses,
and judgement. It is widely used and abused at
various occasions.

Drug is broad term applicable for both
prescribed as non-prescribed drug (such as
painkillers) and controlled drugs (illegal drug
such as marijuana).

POSHE V2 | Unit IG2 – Element 5 – Physical and Psychological 31
Health