Drug abuse killing many super careers

Kenya: The loss of lives a few weeks ago due to consumption of illicit brew should serve as a reminder of how abuse of drugs and alcohol can destroy families and careers.

World over, many super careers have been terminated by drugs and alcohol abuse. In less than a decade, the multi-million-selling singer Whitney Houston died mysteriously with claims that misuse of drugs had brought her illustrious career to an end. This is despite her having a pedigree of a pop superstar.

The path followed by Houston is the same pop star singer Michael Jackson had trodden. His system is said to have had a cocktail of drugs when he died— the death that brought to an end another memorable career in music.

Most of the accidents that occur on our roads are as a result of drink driving. In these deaths, lives of people with high flying careers are brought to an abrupt end. Obviously, this has serious social and economic ramifications.

Premature deaths

Experts warn that abuse of drugs and alcohol can easily ruin one’s career, not only by causing premature deaths but also by affecting the way one performs his or her duties. “In the workplace, abuse of alcohol and drugs is usually linked to a downward spiral of one’s career as they impair decisions making. At times, you may do things that you can’t do when sober,” says Janet Opiyo, a psychiatrist.

“Employees who frequently abuse alcohol and drugs often have poor quality work and are unable to make the right decisions or they do it slowly,” says Opiyo.

She adds: “Poor performance of duties has some consequences. Most of such workers end up being dismissed as they receive poor ratings as they are unable to meet the set targets.” “In addition, most of the workers who turn to drugs and alcohol easily ruin their careers as they become perpetual latecomers and chronic absenteeism becomes the norm. In the end, they perform poorly,” she says.

Major accidents

Career experts warn that there are obvious risks associated with drugs and alcohol abuse, At workplace, industrial and road accidents may occur when workers abuse this substances leading to loss of property and life of dependable and highly skilled workforce this way.

“Some workers suffer from debilitating diseases like stroke, liver and heart damage, all related to misuse of alcohol and drugs. Other problems are sleeping difficulties and concentration problems,” says Opiyo. To combat alcoholism in the workplace, alcohol free programmes should be initiated. Adequate training and support for those with the problem should be provided.

“Peer supporters can help. There should also be a clear workplace drugs and alcohol policies with set limits and consequences for employees who do not observe them,” advises Opiyo.