Methamphetamines isn’t as widely used as other drugs, which is why it isn’t extensively detected in workplace drug testing in South Australia, nor on the roads. However, that doesn’t mean that workplaces, employees, workplace drug testing providers and road users shouldn’t be celebrating a campaign by the South Australian government.
The campaign, called ‘Don’t let meth take hold’, aims to tackle the ongoing issue of methamphetamine use in South Australia. The recent third stage focuses on raising awareness about the serious effects methamphetamine can have on both the brain and body.
The potential harm of methamphetamines
According to South Australia’s state government, even a single use of methamphetamines can disrupt dopamine levels in the brain. It can also cause tremors, coordination issues and difficulty with everyday tasks—like using your phone. In addition, methamphetamine use can increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a progressive and incurable movement disorder.
Methamphetamine’s impact goes beyond physical health—it can also take a serious toll on mental wellbeing. Long-term use has been linked to increased paranoia, hallucinations and aggression. Plus, it can trigger or worsen conditions such as depression and psychosis.
Education and drug testing a key part of harm reduction steps
From a workplace and road safety perspective, methamphetamines can be a particularly dangerous drug.
It’s a stimulant and psychoactive drug, and like other similar drugs can cause effects such as anxiety, agitation, fits, uncontrolled jerking, confusion and clumsiness. Methamphetamines is stronger and more harmful than many other similar drugs, however, which is why it often also causes anger and aggression issues.
Clearly, these are not effects you want to see in any employees in your workplace or in any road user. Which is why education, like this campaign provided by the South Australian government, is so important. When used with other initiatives, such as roadside and workplace drug testing and workplace education, the impact of methamphetamines can be reduced.
Don’t let meth take hold
The ‘Don’t let meth take hold’ campaign is specifically aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds, particularly men. The campaign meets them where they’re most active—on social media, gaming platforms, and through posters in pubs and clubs across metro and regional areas. The third phase of the campaign officially ran until 6 April, however, the campaign is continuing.
The campaign includes a dedicated website offers important information, helpful resources and support services for current, former and potential methamphetamine users, as well as their families.
To learn more or access support, visit Don’t let meth take hold.
Note: Integrity Sampling South Australia applauds the efforts of the ‘Don’t let meth take hold’ campaign and other education initiatives to reduce drug harm. We have six locations in South Australia (Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula, Gawler, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and Riverland). All our locations provide workplace drug and alcohol testing services, as well as policy and procedure development, and education for employees and staff.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
Integrity Sampling applauds the ‘Don’t let meth take hold’ campaign and supports the use of education and workplace drug testing in South Australia to create safety work environments. Credit Vadim kaipov https://unsplash.com/photos/man-wearing-black-pullover-hoodie-blowing-white-smoke-WsHdnUs6i28
