How can I tell if there is a drugs problem on board?

There are no social divisions of class or classes of drug users. They may be found in all walks of life and at all social levels. The physical characteristics of drug addicts depends on the type of drug used and the time that has elapsed since the last dose. Drug users generally develop an ability to lie about their habit and keep it secret. Crew members may not notice a drug user amongst their colleagues. In a closed community such as a ship's crew there may be a strong bond of group loyalty which may result in an unwillingness to believe the worst about a colleague.

The only way of establishing with any degree of certainty whether there is a drugs problem on board your vessel is to embark on a drug testing programme. There are however a number of other indicators which might help identify those with a drug problem. These are:

Sudden unexplained mood changes
Unusual irritability and aggression
Tendency to become confused
Abnormal changes in concentration
Poor job performance
Poor timekeeping
Loss of short term memory
Loss of interest in job
Deterioration of relationships with fellow crew
Dishonesty and theft from boat or fellow crew
Unexplained changes in financial circumstances.