Problems Resulting from the Use of Habituating Drugs in Industry

Abstract

Habituating drugs which impair performance and induce physical dependence provoke the most problems in industry and in the general practice of medicine. The most universal offenders in these respects are alcohol and barbiturates. Opiate-type drugs induce physical dependence, but their abuse does not affect as many individuals. Other drugs which induce physical dependence under conditions of abuse are meprobamate and Doriden. Habituating drugs which do not provoke physical dependence include cocaine, marihuana, and the amphetamines. While drugs in this category may produce deleterious effects, their abuse is usually restricted to more isolated segments of the population.