Guidelines for Managing the Impact of Alcohol and Other Drugs
The University has an Alcohol and Other Drugs policy, and procedure which supports the implementation of that policy. These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the policy and procedure (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000410.html and http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000855.html)
This guideline has been adapted from a document developed by staff at Monash University
Please select one of the following for further information
Understanding alcohol and other drugs
Keeping yourself safe
Managing safe events
Alcohol and other drugs in the study and work environment
Management of sudden and unusual behaviour
Where to get help
Understanding alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol is a depressant drug which slows brain activity and responses. Evidence indicates that impairment of mental and motor functions occurs at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of about 0.03% which is equivalent to the consumption of two standard drinks per hour (defined below). The effects vary depending on individual tolerance and in general women have a lower tolerance than men.
The legal blood alcohol limit for driving in NSW is 0.05% which can be exceeded by a 70kg individual consuming three standard drinks in one hour. A zero blood alcohol (0.00) limit has been set for learner and probationary drivers, and drivers of large vehicles and taxis.
The possible effects of alcohol on performance include:
• initial stimulation, euphoria
• loss of inhibition
• impairment of co-ordination, judgement, intellectual capacity and ability to act quickly
• blurred vision
• slurred speech
• hangover-headache, shakiness, nausea and vomiting, and
• in the longer term alcohol can lead to toxicity to the brain, liver, heart and stomach.
The effects of alcohol vary according to:
• Gender - Female bodies contain a higher fat to water ratio than males. With less water to dilute the alcohol, the BAC will be higher.
• Size - A larger person will have more water in their body to dilute the alcohol than a smaller person and therefore the BAC will be lower.
• Fitness - Muscle processes alcohol whereas fat does not.
• Food - The presence of food in the stomach slows the rate at which alcohol leaves the stomach and enters the intestines. This generally results in a lower BAC in the short term, however alcohol will remain in the bloodstream for a longer period.
• Rate of drinking - If liquor is consumed at a rate faster than one standard drink per hour, the BAC will rise as the body can only process one standard drink per hour.
The use of standard drinks can help people to monitor their alcohol consumption and exercise control over the amount they drink. Different types of alcoholic drinks contain different amounts of pure alcohol. A standard drink is defined as one that contains ten grams of pure alcohol.
What is a standard drink?
* Can/Stubbie (375ml) low strength beer (2.7%) = 0.8 standard drink
* Can/Stubbie (375ml) mid-strength beer (3.5%) = 1 standard drinks
* Can/Stubbie (375ml) full-strength beer (4.8%) = 1.4 standard drinks
* Table wine (100ml) (11.5%) = 1 standard drink
* Nip of spirits (30ml) (40%) = 1 standard drink
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia defines low-risk drinking as:
Two standard drinks or less in any one day for men and women.
Importantly, this guideline does not represent a ‘safe’ or ‘no-risk’ drinking level; neither is it a prescribed intake level. Rather, it represents a drinking level that, for healthy adults, will:
• keep the risk of accidents and injuries, or of developing alcohol related diseases, at tolerably low levels (compared with not drinking);
• reduce the lifetime risk of death from an alcohol-related injury or disease to less than
1 in 100 people who drink at that level.
The guideline drinking level is based on an average bodyweight. People with lower bodyweights (below 60 kg for men and 50 kg for women), should consider drinking less than the guideline level.
The NHMRC also warns that young adults up to the age of 25 are at particular risk of harm from alcohol consumption for the following reasons:
• Young adults continue to be greater risk takers than older adults, but still have poorly developed decision-making skills — factors that are reflected in the high levels of injuries sustained by this age group.
• Alcohol affects brain development in young people; thus, drinking, particularly bingedrinking, at any time before brain development is complete (which is not until 25 years of age) may adversely affect later brain function.
• In addition, young adults are also the adult age group most likely to take mood-altering drugs, and the combination of alcohol and drugs increases the risk of harm.
Binge drinking can be described as drinking heavily over a short period of time or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks. Binge drinking is harmful because it results in acute intoxication. As well as health risks, this can lead people to take risks and put themselves in dangerous situations.
Common after-effects of binge drinking episodes include hangovers, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and shakiness. Binge drinking on a regular basis can lead to major organ damage, and in some cases can be fatal.
The only way to sober up is to give your body TIME to process the alcohol consumed. Nothing can speed up the work of the liver – not black coffee, cold showers, exercise, vomiting or any other remedy. It takes a healthy liver approximately one hour to process one standard drink, therefore, if a person drinks 10 stubbies of beer, the accumulated alcohol will take at least 10 hours to leave their system. If a person has 2 small glasses of wine (200ml in total), it will be 2 hours before all that alcohol leaves their system.
There is increasing concern about the dangers of drink spiking on licensed premises and at events involving alcohol. Be aware that drink spiking is a criminal offence which can result in a jail term of five years or more.
Event managers and serving staff can help by:
• Getting any affected person to a safe, quiet place and stay with them
• Call an ambulance if they become unconscious
• Ensure that the person who is assisting them home is indeed a friend
• Report the matter to on-campus security staff
Drink spiking is not necessarily placing illicit drugs into a drink. It may well be ordering drinks for people with extra shots of alcohol, such as vodka. This has direct implications in the responsible serving of alcohol.
Any request for drinks with shots of spirit added should be viewed with suspicion. Staff should look after people who suddenly appear intoxicated and scrutinise any person offering to assist them home.
Opiate analgesics relieve pain and can impair the ability to drive and operate machinery. They cause nausea and vomiting, constipation and depress breathing. Users develop both a tolerance and dependence very quickly. Illegal opiates include:
• opium
• heroin
Stimulants are drugs that over stimulate and can elevate the mood and wakefulness but have a variety of negative side effects such as fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, confusion, aggression, poor judgment, tremors, increased blood pressure and heart rate. They include:
• Amphetamines (illegal, or on prescription): Known as ‘speed’. Although amphetamines increase alertness and delay fatigue, actual performance can be impaired. In the short term unwanted effects include restlessness, palpitations, headache, tremors and sleeplessness. Longer-term use can produce paranoia and hallucinations.
• Cocaine: Produces euphoria and excitement. Dose increases can cause anxiety, confusion, rapid pulse, convulsions, nausea and vomiting. Longer-term use can induce paranoid psychosis.
• MDMA: Also known as ‘ecstasy’, effects include an increase in blood pressure, pulse and confidence, sweating, teeth grinding, nausea, anxiety and paranoia. High doses can cause hallucinations, irrational behaviour, fits and vomiting.
• Methamphetamine: Known as ICE. Taking even small amounts of methamphetamine can result in increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia. Long-term methamphetamine abuse has many negative consequences, including extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behaviour. Chronic methamphetamine users can also display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects creeping under the skin).
Hallucinogens are capable of producing profound alteration of perception and thought processes. They include:
• Cannabis: Known as pot, dope, marijuana and hashish. In the short term can impair motor coordination, short term memory, tracking ability, sensory functions and perception. In the longer term it may cause decreased sperm count and motility, interfere with ovulation and prenatal development and impair immune responses
(Can also be classified as a depressant).
• LSD: Known as acid, causes profound alteration to perception and sensory functions.
Inhalants are liquid or aerosol products such as petrol, solvents or glues. These are sometimes deliberately used by individuals to get ‘high’ or can be inhaled inadvertently at work. The effects include drowsiness, disorientation, anxiety and tension, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to sunlight, eye irritation and double vision. Inhalants can cause death from arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) or suffocation.
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can have adverse health effects if mixed with alcohol. These include antihistamines in cold remedies, sedative hypnotics such as valium or serapax, used to reduce anxiety and sleeplessness, and opiate analgesics, such as morphine or codeine, used to relieve pain.
Prescription drugs can also be a source of addiction. Such drugs can be obtained from multiple sources and abused by people who may not consider themselves illegal drug users.
Some of these drugs may also be abused by illegal drug users.
Mental Health Warning:
Recent research into the relationship between illicit drug use and mental health consistently shows that:
• Regular use of cannabis doubles the risk of anxiety disorders and depression and triples the risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms
• Short term use of amphetamines can result in a psychotic episode, which leaves the user at increased risk of future psychosis
• Long term use may result in sleep problems, mood swings, panic attacks, seizures, ongoing paranoia, depression and anxiety and compulsive behaviours
• Short term effects of using ecstasy can lead to an acute anxiety disorder and depressed mood when coming off the drug
• Long term ecstasy use is associated with memory problems, changed appetite, loss of sexual interest and depression and anxiety
Keeping yourself safe
Social events are an important part of university life. It is also important that you keep yourself safe from alcohol and drug misuse while meeting new people and trying new experiences. You also need to know where to seek help if you need it.
Keep yourself safe by making smart decisions:
• Remember that you don’t have to use alcohol or other drugs to have fun.
• Eat well before you leave home. A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol.
• Drink in moderation. Don’t let others top up your drinks and go for low alcohol options wherever possible.
• Trust your own judgement. Don’t let peer pressure sway you into doing anything you don’t want to do.
• Keep your wits about you and stay close to friends you trust. Avoid going off with people you are not friends with, particularly when you have had a few drinks.
• Don’t get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.
• Leave for somewhere safe if you feel unsafe at a venue or party.
• You may want to check out the Australian Drug Foundation website for information about the effects of individual drugs. http://www.adf.org.au/
Plan the night out:
• Know where you’re going and how you’re getting there.
• Plan how to get home – for example, take enough money to share a taxi or nominate
a driver to stay sober.
• Decide to stay together in a group and look after each other.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended and don’t accept a drink from a stranger.
• Decide on a drink limit and stick to it. Avoid ‘shouts’ or drinking games. You are likely to make silly or even dangerous decisions when you have had too much to drink.
• Remember that it is illegal to drink alcohol on the street or in a public place or to carry or use illicit drugs. You could be arrested and conviction may impact on your future employment or travel plans.
How to drink responsibly:
• Know your limit and stick to it.
• Start with a glass of water or non-alcoholic drink.
• Eat before and while drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
• Avoid salty snacks that make you thirsty and make you drink more.
• Make every second or third drink non-alcoholic.
• Try low alcohol drinks.
• Always keep your drink with you to minimise the risk of drink spiking – using a receptacle with a narrow opening or placing your hand over your glass minimises opportunities for drink spiking to occur.
• If you are on medication, read the instructions to make sure it is safe to have alcohol with the medication. You may need to speak to a doctor.
How do I know if my friend needs help?
Your friend needs immediate help if they are unconscious and they:
• do not respond to shouting or pinching
• remain unconscious whilst vomiting;
• have clammy, cold skin that may have also changed colour;
• are breathing irregularly.
What should I do?
• Do not leave your friend alone
• Call an ambulance immediately by phoning 000. Don’t avoid calling the ambulance because you’re afraid the police may become involved. Your friend may suffer serious consequences if you delay getting them help. Ambulance officers only care about saving lives.
• Lay your friend on their side, and gently tilt their head back to reduce their risk of choking if they vomit.
• If they are not breathing, commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you don’t know how to perform CPR, call 000 and emergency services staff will guide you over the phone. The ambulance officers will take over as soon as they arrive.
• Advise the on-campus security staff or contact security services.
• If your friend has been assaulted, or thinks they may have been drugged and assaulted, encourage them to immediately contact security services, who will then help you make contact with the police, or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Offer your support.
Avoid potentially violent situations
Alcohol and some drugs can lead to physical fights and assault. Suggestions include:
• Don’t lose control as a result of using alcohol or drugs. Pace yourself.
• Decide with friends beforehand to look out for each other.
• Don’t get into a verbal argument if someone aggressively confronts you. Walk away.
• Don’t go off with a person you’ve only just met. Stay in the public place. If they interest you, get a phone number.
• Seek help and advice from your doctor, a social worker or alcohol and drug worker if you tend to pick fights when you’re drunk or on drugs.
Overdoses can be avoided
Drugs can cause many health problems including overdose. Safety suggestions include:
• Educate yourself about drugs and their effects.
• Remember that illegal drugs have unknown contents, may contain contaminants and may be much stronger than you expect.
• Tell a friend if you take an illegal drug. They can advise the ambulance staff if necessary.
• Be aware that mixing alcohol and drugs can put you in extreme danger of overdose. The depressant effects of alcohol can mask the effects of stimulant drugs like speed.
Excessive quantities of alcohol and other drugs can cause serious illness or death. If a person is unconscious, or unable to stand, for any reason, they require immediate assistance.
Place them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance.
Recovery Position:
• Don’t leave them on their back – they could choke.
• Turn them on their side and into the recovery position. Gently tilt their head back so their tongue does not block the airway, and they cannot inhale any vomit.
• Do not leave them unattended until professional assistance arrives.
Call for Medical Assistance
• In cases of suspected drug overdose, or other unconsciousness, call for an ambulance immediately.
• Dial (0) 000 from an internal phone and 000 from an external phone.
• Notify Security. Security staff will administer first aid and make sure an ambulance or doctor is called.
• At large events there may also be trained first-aiders who can assist until the arrival of ambulance staff.
Managing safe events
Social events and events that foster a sense of community are encouraged as an important part of life at the University of Newcastle. The University encourages positive and safe social interaction and expects that those managing events and those participating in activities on University property ensure conduct that does not put at risk University staff or students, property and reputation. Please refer to the University's Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000410.html) and essential supporting documents http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000855.html ) and the College Alcohol and Other Drug Guidelines 2009 (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/Services/Academic%20Registrar/Student%20Support%20Services/Accommodation/Documents/College%20Alcohol%20and%20Other%20Drug%20Guidelines%202009v2%2011%20Dec.pdf) for further information.
Following these guidelines will help to ensure events are both safe and inclusive.
Ensuring appropriate and safe behaviour
The following are recommended as ways to ensure appropriate and safe behaviour at University events involving alcohol:
Responsible Serving of Alcohol certification for servers
It is recommended that those responsible for serving alcohol, particularly at larger events of more than 50 participants, hold current certification in Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA).
Advertising of events where alcohol is served / available
Pre-event messages should adhere to the advertising guidelines in the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code 2009: http://www.abac.org.au/. Accordingly advertising of University events involving alcohol must only depict the responsible and moderate consumption of alcohol beverages, must not encourage under-age drinking and must not promote offensive behaviour, or the excessive consumption, misuse or abuse of alcoholic beverages.
Event advertising can significantly influence the expectations and subsequent behaviour of patrons. Event promotion and publicity that focuses on the availability of alcohol should promote a minimum of two of the following safe drinking messages:
• don’t drink and drive
• organise a designated driver or access public transport
• intoxicated or underage drinkers will not be served alcohol
• bags and eskies may be searched and alcoholic beverages confiscated
• non-alcoholic drinks will be available
• look out for your friends
• don’t forget to eat regularly
Reasonable quantity of alcohol at formal events
The maximum amount of alcohol available at University events should be controlled so that the anticipated allowance per person will be below the level likely to result in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%.
If attendance at an event is lower than anticipated, the Event Manager should reduce the amount of alcohol made available accordingly. The event should have an advertised start and finish time, and no alcohol should to be served prior to the start time or after the finish time.
Limiting the availability of alcohol can assist event staff and security to safely manage event patrons. Early bar openings can lead to patrons becoming intoxicated well before the commencement of the entertainment which may result in a disruption to other patrons and a distraction from the central focus of the event. It may be advisable to close some, if not all bars prior to the conclusion of the entertainment to provide an orderly exit from the event. This will also prevent patrons from consuming alcohol immediately prior to travelling from the event.
Alcohol must not be provided to anyone who is, or appears to be, intoxicated or is under the legal drinking age of eighteen years. Proof of age should be requested if there is any doubt and alcohol declined to any person who cannot provide evidence of being of legal drinking age.
Attendance fees
In order to ensure that no one is pressured to drink alcoholic beverages and to avoid inequity, Event Managers should ensure that non-drinkers are not forced to share the cost of alcoholic beverages with drinkers.
If guests are charged an attendance fee, Event Managers should ensure that the cost for admission and/or food is separate from the cost for drinks.
Availability of non-alcoholic and low alcohol beverages
High quality, non-alcoholic beverages should always be visibly available in adequate variety and supply and should be presented in as appealing a manner as beverages containing alcohol.
Low alcohol beverages should be available. Non-alcoholic and low alcohol beverages must be offered at cheaper prices than the alcoholic beverages being served. Drinking water should be provided free of charge.
Food
Adequate quantities and variety of foods should be made available at functions at which alcohol is served, particularly for events that run for a period of time that would normally be a meal time, and for events of several hours duration. Alcohol should not be served for longer than 30 minutes before food is served. Serving and consumption of snack foods with high salt content should be avoided as they promote thirst.
Distribution of food should occur at regular intervals.
Management of impaired attendees
Event managers should ensure that there are safe means of managing difficult situations resulting from consumption of alcohol. Appropriate strategies to manage behaviour should be determined well before an event takes place, including ensuring trained first aiders are available at the event. Event managers may need to consider an appropriate course of action in specific instances such as where someone:
• becomes intoxicated at the event
• arrives at the event already intoxicated
• becomes violent
• behaves inappropriately (for example urinating in public)
• leaves an event intoxicated
• harasses other people
• passes out or becomes ill
In circumstances where extreme intoxication has led to illness or unconsciousness, call security immediately who will administer first aid and call an ambulance or doctor as required.
Damage to University of Newcastle property
Event Managers are responsible for doing everything that is reasonable and practicable to ensure that University property is not damaged by attendees. The University may seek to recover costs for damage to University property from individuals responsible for the damage or from organisers of the event. Event Managers must report any damage to property that occurs at an event to Security staff who will take steps to ensure the area is safe, conduct a preliminary investigation and complete a security incident report.
All events involving alcohol must be in accordance with the Liquor Act 2007 http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/la2007107/
Security will respond rapidly to on-campus calls relating to alcohol and other drug issues, and should be the first point of contact in threatening situations. Any security incidents or damage occurring at an event must be reported to Security staff, who will seek to de-escalate, contain, conduct a preliminary investigation, take appropriate action and submit a security incident report.
Where police presence is required at an event, Security Services will facilitate their attendance. In the case of a medical emergency, Security staff are all qualified in first aid. Where possible, when notification is received that an ambulance has been called to campus, a mobile security officer will meet the ambulance at the campus boundary and escort it to the scene of the medical emergency, to ensure the drivers can navigate to the right part of campus as quickly as possible.
Tobacco use
The Tobacco (Amendment) Act 2005 made it an offence for persons at work to smoke in an enclosed workplace. From 1 July 2007, the Act requires all enclosed licensed premises to be smoke free. Smoking is also prohibited in an outdoor dining or drinking area (e.g. a balcony or courtyard) if the area has a roof in place and the total actual area of the wall surfaces exceeds 75% of the total notional wall area.
In addition, smoking is prohibited in all University of Newcastle buildings, including all residential areas such as halls of residence, flats and houses. Smoking is not permitted in any University of Newcastle vehicles, nor is it permitted outside building entrances, air intake vents, ventilation ducts and open windows to prevent second-hand smoke entering buildings and air flow units. A no smoking approach is recommended for field trips and excursions. Cigarette butts must be extinguished and disposed of in general waste.
Drugs and drug paraphenalia at events
If drugs or drug paraphernalia are found or whenever there is reason to believe a staff member or student has been selling, distributing or using drugs at a University event, Security must be notified.
Alcohol and other drugs in the study and work environment
Please refer to the University's Alcohol and other Drugs Policy (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000410.html) and related documents for further information http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000855.html ) (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/Services/Academic%20Registrar/Student%20Support%20Services/Accommodation/Documents/College%20Alcohol%20and%20Other%20Drug%20Guidelines%202009v2%2011%20Dec.pdf).
Management of sudden & unusual behaviour
Where a person is creating an obvious disruption, a potentially hazardous situation or where the supervisor or teacher suspects that the person may be affected by drugs or alcohol, the following procedures should be applied.
Staff
If the staff member is seriously ill or potentially in need of urgent medical attention, call an ambulance immediately and notify Security. If the staff member is displaying markedly abnormal behaviour they should be asked to attend a medical practitioner for assessment of their fitness to continue working. If the staff member becomes belligerent and/or refuses to leave or insists on driving, contact Security, or the Police if off campus. Do not accuse the person of being impaired by drugs or alcohol. Focus on the behaviour, and do not make assumptions about the cause.
If you believe that the staff member should not continue working due to safety concerns, they should be sent home by the most convenient method (but not driving themselves).
Arrange to meet with the staff member and where appropriate, a representative of their choice at the earliest possible time to discuss the incident. Complete a Hazard and Incident Report Form, allowing an opportunity for a response from the affected person. Reports containing confidential issues, such as suspected alcohol and other drug incidents, can be forwarded directly to the Health and Safety Team in Human Resource Services.
If, on the day or shift after the incident, there is uncertainty about the staff member’s ability to return to work in a safe manner, then the staff member should be asked to attend the University Health Service if available, or his/her own doctor, for a medical opinion regarding fitness for work.
Suspected alcohol and other drug incidents among staff may be dealt with under provisions of the University of Newcastle Staff Agreements and other University policies for managing complaints, harassment and unsatisfactory performance.
Campus Care staff will provide initial advice about the appropriate disciplinary or other procedures in response to concerning staff behaviour. Before commencing a formal investigation, also discuss the incident with your manager, and seek advice from the Employee Relations branch in HRS and/or the University Health and Safety team. No action should be taken to dismiss or terminate the services of a staff member without prior consultation with Human Resource staff.
Where the individual is a contractor (employing their own staff and with their own organisational structure), the contractor’s organisation will also need to be notified. Discuss the incident with the contractor management and ensure that the contractor follows the normal review procedure including the detailed investigation and follow up. In some instances it may be appropriate to contact the University Legal Unit office for assistance with the management of any ongoing issues under the terms of the relevant contract.
Students
If the student is seriously ill or potentially in need of urgent medical attention, call an ambulance immediately and notify Security. If a student’s behaviour presents a risk to themselves or others, request assistance (including medical aid) from Security staff. For incidents that occur outside the University campus, contact the police, phone 000.
In a class situation, including fieldwork, the wellbeing, safety and welfare of the whole class should be the primary concern of the supervisor. Where a student’s behaviour is inappropriate but not threatening or a risk to safety, the supervisor should discuss it with them, with another staff member present if possible, setting the parameters for acceptable behaviour.
For all such instances, a Hazard and Incident Report Form should be completed.
After the incident
All forms of inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour should be discussed with Campus Care staff. This new service provides a central point of enquiry by phone or email to skilled staff who will provide information, advice and support for managing inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviours and situations within the University of Newcastle community.
Campus Care can be accessed on ext 18600 (or +612 49218600) or by email at campuscare@newcastle.edu.au
The Campus Care Line staff will provide initial advice about the appropriate disciplinary or other procedures in response to concerning student behaviour.
Long-term drug and/or alcohol problems
University staff are not expected to clinically diagnose or counsel a person who appears to be under the effects of alcohol or other drugs, or has an alcohol or other drug related problem, but rather encourage them to access support and referral to expert services. Students may be referred to, or request assistance themselves through the Health Service or Counselling Service and staff members may be referred to, or request assistance themselves through the Health Service or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). All of these services will maintain strict client confidentiality, and make further referrals to specific drug and alcohol services where appropriate.
Since many factors other than drug and alcohol misuse can contribute to deteriorating work or study performance, it is important not to assume that drug and alcohol misuse is a factor until the signs are identifiable or the person admits to misuse.
Where recognition of an alcohol or drug problem originates from supervisory action, the staff member will be asked to undertake treatment/rehabilitation by a treating medical practitioner, or the University Health Service or EAP Service. There will be liaison between management, Employee Relations, the treating doctor and Health and Safety staff to monitor progress. The individual will consent to follow the treatment and rehabilitation regime, meet agreed expectations in relation to work and give Health and Safety staff medical authority to contact and receive progress reports from the treating medical providers.
While the staff member is involved in treatment, the supervisor should inquire regularly about the staff member’s condition and progress where suitable or as otherwise agreed by both parties. The supervisor’s encouragement and support can be critical elements in the staff member’s rehabilitation, both while an inpatient and in the after care process.
Services provided by the University Health Service and the EAP are free to the staff member. Costs incurred in a rehabilitation program supervised by a medical practitioner should attract Medicare reimbursement. Any medical tests specifically requested by the University of Newcastle will be at the University’s expense.
When a staff member has been absent from work and is due to return, a meeting with the supervisor and the staff member should be arranged to give the staff member an outline of expectations and objectives. At the meeting let the staff member know that you are concerned about him/her as an individual as well as a staff member, make it clear that future evaluations, promotions etc will depend strictly on performance and finalise arrangements for time off to attend follow-up treatment and support.
In all rehabilitation cases, the supervisor’s performance expectation should be documented, regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. In general, the University of Newcastle has a right to expect improving performance from a staff member returning from a rehabilitation program. Expect an adjustment period and don’t expect perfection. Patience and an attitude that is warm, friendly, optimistic and supportive makes a significant positive impact on the outcome.
Where to get help:
• University Security Services:
• Callaghan & City campuses, phone ext. 15888 or 49215 888.
• Ourimbah campus, phone ext. 84222 or 4348 4222
• Port Macquarie campus, phone 6581 6293
• Police: phone 000
• Ambulance: phone 000
• Counselling Service: phone (02) 49215801
• University Health Service: phone (02) 49216000
• Emergency department of your nearest hospital
• For additional numbers please visit the University Counselling Service website: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/counselling/useful-links.html
• Family Planning NSW: phone (02) 4929 4485
Campus Care program
Any member of the University community who feels threatened or unsafe, who has concerns about someone
else’s behaviour or who is worried about someone’s wellbeing, is strongly encouraged to make contact with Campus Care staff in one of the ways listed below:
By phone ext 18600 or +612 49218600
By email campuscare@newcastle.edu.au
The Campus Care phone and email service are supported by and link closely with staff in the University Health Service and University Counselling Service.
For staff or students who would rather talk through an issue in person, appointments can be booked through contacting the Campus Care phone line.