The Opioid Epidemic and White Collar Drug Users: Spotting the Subtle Signs.

AuthorPatrick, Wendy L.

THE INVESTIGATION of non-violent or white-collar crime often involves interaction with suspects who are drug users of a different type than those typically encountered on the street. "White collar" users might be flying high right under the well-trained noses of their coworkers. Literally.

While many people are able to smell alcohol and marijuana from a mile away, most people cannot detect the symptomology of opiates. This is particularly the case when dealing with prescription drugs as many users have developed a tolerance and don't show visible signs of addiction or substance use. Facing this reality is important, because stereotyping is rampant when it conies to making on the job judgments about what type of suspects, victims, and witnesses use drugs.

WHITE COLLAR USERS CONTINUE "BUSINESS AS USUAL"

For white collar users, opiate addiction is created and maintained not by a drug dealer, but a doctor. Many people become hooked not through a crooked pill mill clinic, but a legitimate pain medication regimen, which leads to unintended consequences due to the misconception that "legal means safe."

The resistance to self-identifying as having a problem with prescription drugs causes many users to continue to show up to work as if nothing has changed, while suffering from compromised judgment, emotions, and manual dexterity--including their ability to operate a vehicle safely while driving to and from work each day.

Investigating cases involving such individuals requires a more detailed examination of subtle signs of impairment we might not otherwise spot because these white-collar witnesses do not fit the profile of a drug addict. Yet in all instances, the drug use by the individual impacts public safety and those in the environment around them.

DRUGS INCREASE DANGER

In the field, threat assessment requires quick decision making when confronted with potentially dangerous people, especially when they are under the influence. Many of us have seen devastating crimes perpetrated by suspects high on methamphetamine or PCP.

Yet, so-called "hard drugs" are not the only substances that compromise public safety. "Party" drugs, "designer" drugs, prescription drugs, and newly legalized drugs are involved in a significant amount of criminal activity. Opiates now fall into this same category.

While not always observable, people under the influence of opiates frequently suffer from compromised attention spans and poor judgment not only at work, but also...

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