Meth use increasingly workplace problem, job trainers say
By Sheldon Scruggs
Diversity Institute Fellow
03.28.06
The problem of meth use among employees was one of the key issues discussed at a conference of job trainers at Nashville's Renaissance Hotel this week.
Johnnie Wheeler, who moderated a session on how to combat the growing problem of drug abuse on the job, was among the 600 professionals from eight states who attended the event.
"We see more and more that meth is getting into the workplace," Wheeler said. "They are making the stuff right there in the workplace."
The participants learned about the effects of meth abuse and how to recognize the symptoms.
Cookeville City Councilman Ricky Shelton offered one solution:
"We passed a local ordinance making the sale of certain cold medications a behind-the-counter sale," Shelton said.
Most over-the-counter cold medications contain pseudophedrine, an essential ingredient for making meth. Shelton said his local law, coupled with the state law of signing a register limiting the amount of sales, per household will help.
The four-day conference, sponsored by Southeastern Employment and Training Association, explored new methods to help homeless and jobless people become more employable.
Other workshops addressed issues including helping disabled people find jobs, "strengthening the role of faith-based and community organizations in addressing social service issues," and how to present a professional image.
SETA provides job preparation and training through a network of state-run agencies.
Madoria Smith, who trains the unemployed at the Family Service Center in Columbia, South Carolina, said the conference provided helpful information.
"By networking, I believe I have more tools to work with." Smith said. "People have different ways of doing things, and we can all learn from each other."
Participants from eight southern states attended the conference. Hennrietta McGowens, of Anderson County, South Carolina, said that she is in a better position to be creative and more effective in helping others to get the skills they need to succeed.
"I've learned strategies I never thought of, "McGowens said. "Just talking with others about the different things they are doing is informative."
The four-day conference ends Wednesday.