Charlie, coke, snow, blow… the use of cocaine in Australia has been increasing and is now the second most-commonly used illicit drug. Alarmingly, research shows that working men aged 18-24 are among its largest consumers, with construction workers using cocaine at double the rate of previous generations.
Construction workers are hard workers – their jobs, with long hours, overtimes and shift work, are typically physically demanding. They also carry the special pressures and demands of changing job-sites, heavy deadlines and working alongside different teams (and different personalities) every day. Couple this with pay and conditions that produce a decent pay packet, and perhaps the idea of letting loose over the weekend may seem enticing or perhaps even justified – you know… “work hard, play hard”.
But although a night out with mates, getting drunk and buying “a bag” may seem socially acceptable to some, the associated risks are often not considered. Why would it be? It’s just a little fun right?
But at what cost?
For sure, while heavy partying is glamourised in Australia, there is an insidious downside that comes from recreational misuse of drugs and alcohol. It can quickly escalate to dangerous intensive use and quickly get out of control.
Darren Harland, founder of Alcohol and Drug Awareness Australia (ADA Australia), a former dock worker, plumber and VFL footy player, recalls the escalation of ‘a night of fun’ to problematic use. “It’d be something that’d happen every now and then, then it became something that I looked forward to every weekend, then it was something that would consume my life – even while at work. And then it just got much worse.”
Aside from the wellbeing impacts on individuals, the concern for workplaces and work mates lies in how it can be carried into the workplace – affecting workplace safety due to impairment, dealing with withdrawal or ‘coming down’ whilst at work and, sometimes, a preoccupation with ‘scoring’ and using cocaine while at work.
A workplace culture that informally glorifies a “hard-partying” alcohol and drug culture nurtures this risk. And, bigger picture, the financial burden of funding this lifestyle, the physical health issues, the impact it can have on loved ones and the risk of dependency and overdose are also significant risks.
The dangers of cocaine use is, unfortunately, under-recognised. While there is perhaps a stronger media focus and community alarm over other stimulants such as methamphetamine (and rightfully so), anecdotally there also seems to be perception that use of cocaine is safer than the alternatives. But, be warned, as Professor Shane Darke from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre said, “nothing could be further from the truth”.
Cocaine-related deaths have increased, with majority of these deaths caused by acute and chronic heart complications, including stroke and heart attack – and predominantly occurring after the use of multiple contributing drugs – largely alongside alcohol. The use of alcohol and cocaine, which, anecdotally, tends to be normalised by substance users, is a mixture that may significantly increase risk of death. This is not only because of the countering effects of two euphoria producing substances which may amplify the impact of cocaine use after drinking alcohol, but also because of the creation of highly toxic cocaethylene in the body and its physiological dangers.
So, what to do? What is your relationship, if any, with cocaine?
If you’re using recreationally, before you have to deal with the health impacts, or relationship breakdowns, or accidents on the road or in the workplace, and possible job loss – among other consequences – pause and have a think about it. For Darren Harland, the consequences became unavoidable and dangerous.
Fortunately, after recognising his situation and getting help – reaching out isn’t easy – Darren has transformed his life. "And to think it all started to just let loose and have a good night... (I’m) so grateful that I got the help I needed, so I can be a father to my kids, a husband to my wife and to actually do something to contribute to society instead of burdening it."
If you’re worried about your substance use, or someone you care about, remember there is help available.
If you’d like to learn more about ADA Australia, or any of the training programs we offer, please visit us at: www.adaaus.com.au or call us on 1300 378 429 or email: enquiry@adaaus.com.au
If this information has raised any concerns for you, please do speak to your GP, or call a helpline: DirectLine 1800 888 236, LIFELINE 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636.