1.3 Substance Misuse

Question 1

HSE defines drug misuse as:

Answer 1

“the use of illegal drugs and the misuse, whether deliberate or unintentional, of
prescribed drugs and substances such as solvents.”

Question 2

Alcohol related problems fall into two main categories:

Answer 2

Absenteeism and sickness absence

Question 3

Sensible Drinking Limits

Answer 3

between three and four units a day for men
(two to three units for women).

A unit of alcohol is a half pint of ordinary strength beer, a small wine or a single shot of
spirits

Question 4

It is an offence to drive with more than ___ of alcohol in every ___ of blood.

Answer 4

80mg

100ml

Question 5

The approach to tackling workplace problems with drugs and/or alcohol involves four
major stages:

Answer 5

 Consultation;
 Policy;
 Screening; and
 Support and/or discipline.

Question 6

Can people be screened for drugs/alcohol against their will?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

Can a refusal by a person to be screened for drugs/alcohol lead to disciplinary action?

Answer 7

Once a screening programme has been introduced, yes.

Question 8

drugs/alcohol support services include:

Answer 8

 Tackling workplace stress issues that might be leading to substance misuse;
 Counselling and rehabilitation; and
 Referrals for specialist medical support.