14 firms take up drug prevention programme

A number of companies that implemented the Substance Abuse Free Employees programme organised by Sedqa were yesterday awarded certificates of appreciation.

Fourteen companies took up the prevention programme, offered by the national agency against drug and alcohol abuse. The entities received training by professional staff about the perils at the workplace as a result of drug and alcohol abuse.

Speaking during the ceremony, Nationalist MP Michael Gonzi said people usually associated drug and alcohol abuse with youth and entertainment, or personal crisis.

"However, it is important for us to realise that the effects of abuse are in many instances reflected in the workplace. This programme is therefore important because managers in companies are being trained about symptoms and on how to act in response to such problems," he said.

The agency's operations director Jean Claude Cardona said it was "commendable and encouraging" to have organisations representing almost the whole spectrum of society taking part in the programme.

Sedqa primary prevention manager Paul Pace said it was "highly significant" that the agency was getting in touch with individuals who would not have been reached otherwise through the workplace.

Initiatives undertaken as part of the programme include exhibitions of preventive material, holding meetings with different levels of management, individual contact by professionals and talks on substance misuse-related topics.