Drug and alcohol abuse simply does not make sense. It harms the body and the mind, jeopardises employment, destroys families, and harms
society in numerous ways. Yet people not only continue to abuse substances, they always seem to be looking for a higher “high”. A few months ago, there was a news report on a looming brain damage crisis resulting from illicit drug use. More people are showing up with brain abnormalities that are similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease. A study looking at the brains of people using drugs who were younger than 45 years old showed changes occurring that indicated Parkinson’s disease was developing.1 This is a sign of the times and reflects the powerful and dangerous substances people are abusing. Despite all the evidence, they not only continue to abuse legal and illicit substances; they are continually looking for even more powerful drugs, evidenced by the rise in synthetic drugs, or binge drinking more often.
People are good at justifying their behaviours. Justification means the person believes their reason for acting a certain way is right, valid and reasonable given the circumstances. Justification is a process whereby humans alleviate cognitive dissonance. They know what they are doing needs explanation because there is an uncomfortable feeling the behaviour is really is not right, valid or reasonable. Justification is also used as a means of stopping people from interfering. For example, a person tests positive on a drug test at work and the first response is, “I couldn’t concentrate on my work, so I needed something to help me out so I could do a better job for you. No harm was done and the work was completed without problems.” The interpretation is: Leave me alone because you are getting what you want from me.
Laundry List of Excuses
A forum asked people to list the justifications they use to continue using drugs or alcohol to get high. Despite all the medical research trying to pinpoint the chemical processes in the brain and body leading to addiction, in many cases people are playing a “mind game.” They simply become adept at justifying their behaviours. Employees know they can lose their jobs and source of income, yet they tell themselves, “This job is so stressful I need the relief,” or “It’s just one drink,” or “It’s not my fault that XXX brought these drugs to work. Everyone was doing it anyway, so I had no choice if I didn’t want to be ostracised?”
The forum is a true eye-opener for excuses. People tell themselves:
- Just one more time and then I will quit
- I hate feeling different, and this is the only way I can make friends
- I heard the drug gives users a great high and is not addictive, so I need to try it for myself
- I need help relaxing because I am so stressed all the time
- I feel so great that I want to celebrate by getting high
- I will use today but will not use again for a week
- This is such a great price I would be crazy to not buy some
- I need to try XXX just once (Fill in the blank: heroin, LSD, Kronic, meth, etc.)
- I can’t possibly handle this job without getting high every now and then
- I would never get addicted because I can control it
- My co-workers never include me in their social events, so I might as well entertain myself
- I had to drink so my co-workers would include me
- I know I can’t stay off drugs or stop drinking, so why try?
- My life is a mess and alcohol helps me cope.
The list is endless, and even includes weather as an excuse. If the weather is good, it is time to celebrate by getting high. If the weather is bad, it helps to get high to avoid being depressed.
Is That My Cognitive Dissonance Talking?
Social acceptance is an important factor in alcohol abuse. A majority of Australians begin drinking whilst teenagers and the practice is encouraged whilst adults. Holidays, business conventions, impromptu after-work socialising, parties, and other events usually include alcohol. Alcohol is embedded in Australia’s culture. Think of it like this: Most workers would not tell co-workers, “Last night, I smoked a little weed and then followed up with some meth because I was feeling down,” but they would say, “I got blasted last night to drown my sorrows.” Though alcohol is legal, the effects from using drugs or alcohol the night before can harm workplace safety. “Shouts” and “Work and Bust” sessions are accepted cultural practices in Australia that promote heavy drinking and working with a hangover.2
Cognitive dissonance is a powerful force that leads workers to justify using drugs and alcohol in the workplace and in their personal lives. Employers should be aware of how workers will attempt to justify substance abuse in the workplace and be prepared to respond appropriately. The net effect of justifications is that they keep people trapped in lies of their own making. Employers need to understand the process of justification and how it leads to irrational behaviours, like using substances in the workplace. Though it is not their job to counsel or treat, employers must be ready to respond to the excuse, “You know my co-workers are doing it too, so why are you picking on me?”
Positive drug and alcohol tests can elicit many worker justifications. It is critical to use an experienced company for onsite screening for drugs & alcohol to minimise attempts at justifying workplace substance abuse. Mediscreen (mediscreen.net.au) provides efficient screening services leading to accurate drug and alcohol testing results.
Resources
1. Eacott, Alina. (2013 May 13). Brain damage ‘crisis’ looms from illicit drug use. Retrieved from ABC News Australia at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-13/health-fears-loom-over-illegal-drug-use/4681600.
2. Roche, A. M., Bywood, P., Freeman T., Pidd, K., Borlagdan, J., Trifonoff, A. (2009). The Social Context of Alcohol Use in Australia. Adelaide: National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction.
