How a Teesside firm helps combat the problem when drug and alcohol misuse impacts places of work
FEATURE
Specialist – Abdul Shakeel runs an advisory , testing and training service operating from offices in central Middlesbrough .
WHEN THE DRUGS DON ’ T WORK
How a Teesside firm helps combat the problem when drug and alcohol misuse impacts places of work
WORDS : DAVE ROBSON PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
Increasing drug and alcohol misuse is a sign of the times – but a Teesside service aims to ensure businesses keep on top of the problem . Drug & Alcohol Testing Services is a specialist advisory , testing and training service operating from offices in central Middlesbrough .
Established in 2013 , and with clients across the UK and Europe , it works with employers to implement and deliver management and leadership training , where required , and to provide industry-specific substance and alcohol misuse testing .
It ’ s the brainchild of former police officer Abdul Shakeel – known as Shak – who used his past experience to also set up his other firms , Tees Medical Services and Nationwide Dog Handlers . Since 2017 , TMS has established itself as a trusted specialist in medical screening services , while Nationwide Dog Handlers is now a leading animal handling and removal service , employing more than 100 dog handlers .
However , Shak says that the workload for Drug & Alcohol Testing Services ( DATS ) is increasing , given the increased use of drugs in social situations and the need for employers to try and keep on top of rapidly changing legislation .
He tells Tees Business : “ Substance and alcohol misuse is becoming an increasingly complex area .
“ We ’ re having to deal with a difficult climate in as much as Teesside , in particular , has a welldocumented problem with cocaine use within the community .
“ Teesside has four times higher than the national average for deaths for cocaine use – in fact , we have the highest rates in the country . “ Whereas in the past , cocaine was seen as a ‘ rich person ’ s drug ’ it is now much more accessible .
“ We understand the problems that brings and the risks it creates , so we ’ re working with employers to provide soundly based advice and training , and the skills to tackle these problems .”
But , of course , it ’ s about much more than cocaine – and Shak says that with such a cocktail of potential problems caused by drug and alcohol misuse , firms shouldn ’ t rely on doing
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