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Recreational use of Marijuana still prohibited for safety sensitive workers, despite new laws.
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Greetings!
Happy December! It always feels like December arrives too quickly, but here we are anyway, gearing up for 2013! We hope that you've been a productive, happy, and healthy 2012, and that your holidays are filled with love and laughter.
In this newsletter, you'll find information on staying safe during the holiday season. From having a tipple too many at a holiday party to keeping an eye for troubled loved ones, these tips will keep your winter warm and well.
Please keep yourself happy and healthy. We look forward to seeing you on the other side (aka 2013)!
Best Wishes, Michael Gedigk President - USA MDT Westchester, NY and Fairfield, CT 914-250-1420 |
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 Holiday Drug Abuse and Addiction: What to Know
"For some, the holidays are the "happiest time of the year," but as chief medical officer of Hazelden, I talk to patients and alums every day worried about relapse during what for most people is actually the most difficult time of the year." "Studies show that cases of depression, drunk driving accidents, suicide, even domestic violence all increase during the holiday period. Many of these are tied to alcohol and drug abuse typically engaged by people who are trying to cope with holiday stress.
A study published in 2006 by the Centers for Disease Control found that suicide victims frequently tested positive for alcohol or illicit drugs. About 33 percent tested positive for alcohol while another 16 percent tested positive for opiates, 9 percent tested positive for cocaine and 8% tested positive for marijuana." Substance-related traffic deaths rise, pressured people may snap, and seemingly stress-free people may lose their lives due to internal and external factors.
As an employer or community leader, this time of year is especially important when it comes to your drug-free stance. By making sure your employees know that this is a drug-free workplace and that you want absolutely each and everyone of them to stay safe, you can help.
Perhaps consider including a gift card to a local cab company if you're giving out holiday bonuses. Or, make the holiday a party event with no alcohol. Give special gifts to the designated drivers!
These are little ways you can keep your loved ones safe while still having fun.
We also recommend you keep an eye out for employees, friends, and relatives who might be showing signs of inner turmoil. If they might be suicidal or seem to be on the path to relapse, intervene when or if at all possible!
With these small suggestions, a little observation, and consideration, you can make a huge difference. Our workplaces are not merely where we earn our incomes; they are a site of personal connection and development. Let's be there for each other!
Here are a few wonderful resources we found for you:
- The Mental Health board of Alexandria, VA offers these useful tips and suggestions about "Coping with Holiday Stress" in a printable brochure format!
- The wonderful minds at About.com offer a list of "Company Christmas Party Ideas" that break the mold of what you might expect to see at a yuletide bash.
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| Holiday Health: Major Stresses and Triggers
In our latest blog post, we shared three of the biggest reasons why this time of year can lead to an increase in substance abuse, illness, and unhealthy behaviors.
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For a rope to split, all of the other strands must have been worn down over time.
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Here's a taste:
"Family: Very few of us come from families without any emotional issues whatsoever. There are always a few issues lurking under the surface, and having that drink or two after a holiday dinner can really let the trouble start rolling.
For those not spending time with family for whatever reason, it can be just as painful to feel engulfed in the solitude."
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Great Ways to Make The Holidays Memorable - the Right Way
Whether it's you, a loved one, a coworker, employee, or friend, these 10 tips will help you process the emotional stresses of the holidays! Be sure to share these with whomever might need them the most!
1. Only have a drink with a meal, not before or after.
2. Avoid trigger locations, like old haunts or the sites of previous emotional distress or pain.
3. Always have a safe ride home planned in advance, or just avoid drinking entirely.
4. Go for a walk when tensions begin to rise to release endorphins and gather some sunshine.
5. Just say "no" to that unsavory obligation.
6. Take time for yourself everyday. Even take a day off, if necessary and possible!
7. Do something you love to do. Read a book, go for a hike, play with your dog; Whatever it is that you love, do it!
8. Give yourself permission to let go, and build the boundaries required to do that safely.
9. Recognize that even the holidays are just another day. You made it through yesterday, you can make it through tomorrow.
10. Live like you are loved.
Love and accept yourself. Pay attention to your feelings and reactions to do things that are good for you. Whether or not you've struggled with addiction or abuse in the past does not matter. We can all benefit from a little more self-love and understanding. Instead of letting the stresses and anxieties of rushed holidays catch you up, let go. We'll all be here when you get back!
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Did You Know?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse: 
"Illicit drug use among teenagers has been rising, largely due to increasing popularity of marijuana...6.6 percent of 12th graders now use marijuana every day." |
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