Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

1
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
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Introduction

• This lesson provides information about sign and
  symptoms of substance abuse
• After this training session a student shall be
  able to
• Describe sign and symptoms of substance
  abuse.
• Describe resources available to members
  with substance abuse involvement

3
Agenda

• Introduction and Overview of signs of Abuse
• 20 minutes
• Discussion of Consequence of Identifying Abusers
• 10 minutes

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Indicators of Misuse or Abuse

• Personality change when drinking
• memory lapses problems at home at work or
  socially due to drinking
• covering up drinking
• increased tolerance
• decreased tolerance

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Indicators of Misuse or Abuse(continued)

• Mistakes or accidents due to drinking
• losing time from duties
• angry and defensive about drinking
• sneaking or gulping drinks
• hiding alcohol
• the drinking is bothering you

6
Enabling...

• When an alcohol abuser doesnt have to suffer any
  consequences for his or her drinking behavior.

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Do you enable?

• My crew works hard, they deserve to play hard
• If I document this, hell get in trouble.
• Everybodys doing it
• Theres nothing I can do about it.
• Its none of my business.
• I cant afford to lose her from the job.

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Rationale for Member Enabling

• I dont want to
• ruin a career
• label people
  inappropriately
• appear to be a
  witch-hunter
• lose a good worker
• be confrontational
• assess my own drinking

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What are the consequences of being identified as
an abuser or someone who misused alcohol?

• Reputation
• Career
• Social Stigma
• Disappointment of Family
• Professional Stigma
• Getting Help

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Where to get more information

• SAFE Leadership Based Prevention Training
• CDAR Resource Center
• Employee Assistance Program
• 1-800-222-0364
• SAFE Job Aid

11
Summary

• This training presented you with information so
  you can
• Describe sign and symptoms of substance
  abuse.
• Describe resources available to members
  with substance abuse involvement
• How is this information useful to you?