Christmas and New Year are always a great time to relax and socialise. Hopefully you have parties to go to, friends to catch up with and perhaps even holidays to look forward to. And if you enjoy a drink and perhaps even taking illegal drugs, letting your hair down a little more won’t hurt… Or will it?
It’s important to remember that while some people will have a holiday this time of the year, drug and alcohol testing doesn’t. On the roads, police will be out in force with roadside drug and alcohol testing looking for people doing the wrong thing. If your workplace conducts drug and alcohol testing, it’s the same message.
An even more important message is that of safety. While failing drug or alcohol testing on the road or at work can be a major inconvenience, it pales into insignificance compared with the potential to kill yourself or an innocent bystander if you do the wrong thing. Having a drink or two (or more) is perfectly understandable. And for some, partaking in illegal drugs – whether it’s cannabis, ICE, MDMA or heroin – is too. But whatever you do, never mix alcohol and drugs with driving or going to work, or the results could be catastrophic.
Tips to avoid drug and alcohol testing issues
Here are a few tips for a safe festive season, from Integrity Sampling:
- We all know that it’s important not to drive if you’re planning to have a few drinks, but don’t forget that after a big session it is possible to still be over the blood alcohol limit and be unsafe to drive the next day. Blood alcohol level calculators can help guide you on how much time you need before your blood alcohol level will return to zero. Personal breathalysers can help too, but remember to never rely on cheap units. Always play it safe and be conservative.
- It’s the same message for drugs. If you are going to take illegal drugs, make sure you leave plenty of time after you’ve taken your last drug before you drive or go to work. The timeframe can be more difficult to pinpoint, because of individual factors as well as the type, amount and potency of the drugs you have taken.
- When it comes to both drugs and alcohol, time is the only thing that counts. Your body can’t rush the processing of the drug or the alcohol. Taking a cold shower, drinking coffee or anything else won’t help.
- If you do enjoy a drink or illegal drugs, it’s a good idea to know your employer’s policy around drugs and alcohol. Some workplaces – particularly those that are safety-focussed – conduct drug and alcohol testing, while some don’t. Some workplaces (e.g. aviation and transportation) can be zero tolerance, while others are more liberal.
- Drink water regularly when taking drugs or drinking alcohol, and also make sure you consume food.
- If you’re hosting a party, provide food and non-alcoholic drinks. Plan activities that take the focus off alcohol and drugs, such as a backyard cricket game. Howzat!
IMAGE CAPTION:
Remember that drug and alcohol testing never goes on holidays. Credit linmtheu https://www.flickr.com/photos/linmtheu/3332560545/
