Worker Wellness Blog: Do Homework Before Using Drugs

Date Posted: January 16, 2024

Posted In: Discussion, Workforce,

by Dr. John Gaal

Editor’s Note: Each week, Dr. John Gaal, director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative, a non-profit workforce formed by the Missouri AFL-CIO, collects and comments on news and trends in workforce wellness and life balance. Construction Forum carries the Worker Wellness & Well-Being Blog as a regular feature.

The MO Works Initiative focuses on creating healthy and recovery friendly workplaces; connecting laid-off workers with job-search or upskilling resources for future employment; and collaborating with community partners to offer innovative points of entry to traditional apprenticeship opportunities.

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from the dangers of nanoplastics in bottled water & ultra-processed foods in our diets; to a five-part podcast series on Fentanyl’s impact within the community that ran this past week on IL-NPR; to how DBE goals and DEI efforts are being challenged at various public/private levels.

Today, I wish to shed some light on the importance of doing your homework before using drugs…be it for medicinal or recreational purposes. As with so many aspects of our lives, products, technology, etc. entail good points and bad points.

For your sake or that of a family member or friend, consider the following:

1. To suggest that the potency of marijuana today, in general, is anywhere close to what it was four decades ago is a bit naïve. Not to mention, who uses it and how much is being used. It is no secret that human brains continue to develop until about 25 years old. Therefore, when youth “experiment” with such a substance, results can be life-altering. Especially if one considers that when it comes to young men in their early 20s, misuse may trigger other serious mental health issues.
2. Over the past couple of years, more information concerning the positive impact of psychedelics on PTSD has been in the media. Please keep in mind, these findings are based on research that was performed under “laboratory” conditions…not on the street! So, while there seems to be some promising press regarding advancements in once taboo drugs, it behooves each and every one of us to consult our doctors for advice…BEFORE we begin self-medicating based on a 30-second clip we heard on last night’s news.
3. Not yet convinced? Then please take the time to read the article below on “Gas Station Heroin.” Caveat Emptor: Just because a product is sold over-the-counter does not mean it is safe for consumption.

Please check out the rest of this week’s blog: moworksinitiative.org/blog

Sources:

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/marijuana-depression-psychosis-869490d1

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/12/health/marijuana-fda-dea.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/health/gas-station-heroin-tianeptine-addiction.html