Substance Misuse and Stress: Counselor Warns of Hidden Threats to Workplace Wellness
The rising use of cannabis edibles and other substances among young people is spilling over into workplaces in Antigua and Barbuda, creating hidden risks to productivity and safety, school counsellor Harriet Warner has warned.
Speaking at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) forum on workplace stress and mental health, Warner said the culture around drug use is changing, with students increasingly turning to gummies, brownies and infused treats rather than smoking.
She cautioned that these habits often follow young people into their jobs, impairing their performance and endangering colleagues.
Warner explained that substance misuse not only affects personal health but also undermines workplace reliability.
“How do you respond after a night hangover from half a gummy?” she asked, noting that employees in safety-sensitive roles cannot function effectively if their judgment and alertness are compromised.
She linked the issue to broader workplace stress, arguing that unresolved conflicts, long hours and generational tensions already weigh heavily on workers’ mental health. Substance misuse, she said, compounds these pressures and creates an added burden for employers and co-workers.
Warner urged organisations to take the problem seriously by developing wellness programmes, educating staff on the risks, and providing support systems that encourage healthier coping strategies.
She stressed that mental health must be seen as inseparable from overall workplace safety and productivity.
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Where are the statistics ? This sounds like pure bs .. just because they found two girls smoking – which is bad . But let’s be honest with ourselves, kid have been doing so since at least the 90’s (prob even further back ) … this is just sensationalism with no base , no FACTs… yall bored .
@HappyDayz, you said a mouthful. Where’s your statistics bro?
Whether we like it or not, marijuana edibles have exploded in popularity and use the world over, offering a new way for users to enjoy what they see as the benefits of marijuana. From brownies, sugar cake, gummies, chocolate and more, there is a hugh variety of products that caters for different users. Edibles are often seen as a convenient smoke free option.
We simply cannot just pretend that they are not out there on the market. They are in plentiful supplies at school vendors, selected retail outlets and private individuals.
When marijuana is eaten rather than smoked, it is processed differently by the body. Instead of a near instant “high” from inhaling the smoke, edibles take 30 mins to 2 hours to kick in. The results is slower action but longer lasting effects often up to 6 hours. This delayed “high” often leads to accidental over consumption in teens and young adults .
This is something that must get our urgent attention.
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