HOW DO DRUGS AFFECT A NORMAL BUSINESS MIND AND WHAT ARE THE CAUSES FOR A BUSINESS

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Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

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I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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INTRODUCTION

 The purpose of this analysis is to compile, examine, and display the most recent literature and statistical data on drug use in the workplace and its effects on human communication and the behavioral effects of drug use on employees working in the corporate world. This issue has received substantial attention over the past generations. More specifically, this area of inquiry, along with other articles related to drugs and communication, has been a hot, scholarly topic in business and communication studies for the past few decades (Abu-Akel, 1997; Bruce, 2002; Burnaska, 1976; Califano, 2007; Faupel, Horowitz, & Weaver, 2003; Khantzian, 1986; Shepherd, 1981; Stephenson & Quick, 2005), and has also been seen in health-related publication outlets (Hecht, Corman, & Miller-Rassulo, 1993).

The literature, statistical, and rhetorical analysis presented here is organized using the following format and selective information. It first identifies the general workplace communication problems that take place by employees who are under the influence of drugs (in their occupational settings). The analysis proceeds with a detailed description of the most common drugs (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin) used by employees in a wide array of businesses (e.g., in both blue-collar and white-collar occupational positions) and their effects on human communication as reported by credible employers and communication literature (see Jung, 2000). In addition, some of the data were found in general social science research reports (Faupel et al., 2003). Subsequent to the preceding section comes a thorough discussion on the statistical figures regarding accidents, injuries, and miscommunications spawned by the misuse of drugs in the workplace. Further, a section is duly provided that identifies the measures that employers take and the obstacles they face in dealing with current or potential employees regarding their illegal drug use. Finally, a discussion section is offered and lays out suggestions for future research to both communication scholars and business employers on what the future holds for this topic and suggestive remedies for this societal and corporate issue (Karch, 2006).

GENERAL WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS OF DRUG-USING EMPLOYEES Illegal drug use in the workplace is a pervasive and serious problem that has existed for centuries in practically all sectors in the private and public industries (Gahlinger, 2003). Today, it still affects the corporate world, particularly with respect to the impairment of employee communication in their occupational settings (Jung, 2000). Because of the diversity of illegal drugs that are available (e.g., stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens) to general employees in the workforce, various effects can occur on the ...