Benzodiazepines Testing at the Workplace
Benzodiazepine testing at work is required to successfully manage drug-related problems at the workplace. The best course of action for a business to safeguard its employees and operations against the risks of benzodiazepine abuse is to adopt a drug policy and conduct regular drug tests.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, are depressants that slow down bodily functions in the central nervous system. These medications, also referred to as mild tranquillisers, are frequently used to relieve tension, anxiety, and the effects of stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. Benzos are a subclass of psychoactive medications that can relax, mesmerise, and sedate users.1
Since Benzos are depressants, they pose a significant risk when used with drugs that function similarly, such as alcohol. Still, patients experiencing the effects of alcohol abstinence frequently receive prescriptions for benzodiazepines. This is why the use of Benzos as a prescription drug and for recreation has continued to increase.
Benzodiazepines Side Effects
Common benzodiazepines side effects are weakness, sedation, dizziness, and instability. In addition, a sensation of despair, confusion, headaches, and sleep disturbance are also experienced by some users. Depending on the quantity consumed, these symptoms might appear within an hour and remain for up to 160 hours.2
Long-term side effects of benzos include:
- Memory loss
- Trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
- Lack of motivation
- Lethargy
- Exhaustion
- Headaches and sleepiness
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Altered physical and emotional responses
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Paranoia and others
The long-term effects of benzodiazepines result from high doses and frequent drug usage.
Benzodiazepines Effects at Work
Using benzodiazepines at work can affect strength, sharpness, and alertness, among other things. Benzodiazepine effects include sleepiness, a sense of relaxation, a decline in energy, short-term memory problems, mental confusion, and dizziness.
The risk of using benzos at work increases when the worker is responsible for operating large machinery or company vehicles. The staff could harm themself and co workers in an accident after using benzos. Such accidents would cost the company money and reputational damage from compensation claims and potential legal actions brought by the concerned individuals.
The ability of a person to work safely and successfully, can be significantly impacted by benzos. Therefore, the employee’s supervisor must watch out for symptoms and ensure the worker does not pose a safety danger to those around them. It is best to suggest that the staff get expert assistance and start any necessary recovery measures.
How to Spot Benzodiazepines Abuse in the Workplace
Benzos are tranquilisers, and the soothing effects that they provide are frequently the cause of abuse. Employers and employees must be able to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of benzos usage.
Symptoms of benzodiazepine misuse at work include:
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Drowsiness
- Impaired judgement
- Blurred vision
- Hostility
- Amnesia
- Reduced inhibition
- Irritability
- Unsteady gait
How Long Benzodiazepines Stays In the Body
The type of benzodiazepine taken, your weight, use of other drugs in the past, your health history, and even how quickly your metabolism works all affect how long benzos stay in your body.
More frequent drug users are more likely to test positive because more metabolites are produced after each use. If a small amount is taken, a person with a quick metabolism will typically test negative sooner than someone with a slow metabolism who consumes similar or larger doses.3
Additional factors that affect how long benzos remain in the body include:
- How the drug was consumed
- The presence of other drugs in the body
- Age
- Medical conditions
- Gender
- Psychiatric conditions
- Ethnicity
- The regular dose taken
Drug Testing for Benzodiazepines
Most drug tests don’t actually look for the substance being tested. Instead, they search for substances known as metabolites, which are byproducts of the drug’s digestion by your body. Drug tests can identify which drug was consumed from the metabolites still present in your body even after all traces of the actual drug have vanished.
The most popular methods for benzodiazepines drug testing are:
- Urine testing
- Saliva testing
- Hair testing
- Blood testing
Never force the employees tested to disclose the underlying medical issue for which they are taking benzodiazepines. Regardless of the outcome of a benzodiazepines test, ensure you only share results with those who need to know.
Conclusion
Benzodiazepine testing at the workplace is necessary to effectively address workplace drug-related concerns. Companies need to establish a drug and alcohol policy and drug testing to protect their workers and business from the hazards of benzos and the abuse of other drugs in the workplace.
Australia Drug Testing offers companies dependable Benzodiazepine drug test kits to keep workers and businesses safe. Our drug testing kits are durable and extremely sensitive for onsite industrial and commercial use, enabling you to test your personnel securely and efficiently in the workplace.
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Australia Drug Testing provides quality drug and alcohol test kits that are simple to use, highly sensitive, fast, and reliable. You should always use products that are certified to Australian Standards to avoid device malfunctions which could cause a false positive.Our testing kits are sourced from the best products in the market to match your various workplace needs:
- Alcohol test kits
- Urine drug test kits
- Saliva drug test kits