Two friends, Sam and Raghav, were just starting their career at the same level, with the same package. Coming from a small town, their lives seemed to be as good as a dream. They were committed and responsible employees – they were absolute assets for their organization. Be it co-workers, seniors or clients, everyone was happy with their work attitude.
After work, they wanted to experience the city life – the flashy restaurants, late night dhabas and of course, pubs. They felt they were being very cool and trendy by going to various pubs and they always used to find a reason to be there. Sadly, according to them, to have a high life you needed to drink and take drugs.
They started too.
Their work performance deteriorated. They started misbehaving with colleagues. They could hardly concentrate.
Luckily, Raghav could sense their downfall, and with his immense will power, he stopped going to pubs and the use of alcohol and drugs. It was a short while since he had started taking drugs and thus, he could impose control on his mind.
He tried to explain the consequences to Sam too. Sam was too attracted to the high life and the idea of it. He didn’t listen. Slowly, Sam became a drug addict and started showing symptoms such as:
• Extreme mood swings
• Paranoia
• Aggression (towards self and others)
• Noticeable exhaustion and lack of energy at all times
• Frequent absenteeism
Raghav wanted to help his friend, but he was confused. He hardly knew anyone outside his office, and he was scared about people in office finding out that Sam had become a drug addict.
He was also scared that Sam may lose his job. But he valued Sam’s life the most and hence – he asked for help. He trusted his manager the most and requested him to intervene and help Sam.
His manager was not shocked; he had seen the obvious changes in Sam and he had some doubts. Nevertheless, he was very happy that Raghav weighed his friend’s life more than any other thing.
His manager acted swiftly and got Sam into the right hands that helped him out of the mesh of drugs. It took a good one year’s time. The company welcomed Sam back to the position where he left. Sam was sorry for the past and ever grateful to his friend Raghav, his manager and his organization for the present.
The United Nations Drug Report in 2011 pronounces India as the biggest consumer of heroin. Drugs are most used in the age group 25-34. In India alone, about 3 million people are dependent on drugs (0.3% of the population).
Drug users not only harm themselves, but they also cost the organization they are working for. With their low productivity, less power to understand and judge the situation, carelessness, destructive attitude (towards self or others) can not only cost company an employee but may also be bad for its general public image.
What is the solution to this high-life?
Pre-Employment Drug Test: With the kind of data supporting use of drugs among youngsters, there should be a mandatory Pre-Employment Drug Test.
For-Cause Drug Test: If any employee is suspected for use of drugs, they should be asked to take the test. If the test is positive, organization may choose to help the employee to get to the right track.
Sam was lucky to get help on time and his organization took him back, but there are many who don’t get help on time. They become a liability to the organization, spoil their own life and shatter their families too, just to have a high life and act cool and trendy.
It is high time the young generation should awaken and understand that you get high on life by walking the right way, else you fall deep down to a low life. So, grow up young India, let’s all get high on life, not drugs!
