Lavoro e dipendenza da sostanze psicoattive: idoneità alla mansione e prospettive di prevenzione alla luce delle recenti innovazioni normative

The Authors consider a present widespread social problem i.e. the abuse and/or addiction to alcohol and drugs (psychoactive substances) with regard to the interferences and consequences it can have on one's working environment. In particular they look into the hardest problem an occupational physician has to face when required to pass judgement on a worker's specific duty fitness, which rightfully falls within the so-called "knotty qualifications". In addition the authors go over the rather complicated Italian laws regulating drugs, alcohol and their relevant problems, underlining how, despite the great number of regulations in force, it's still unclear what an occupational physician is allowed or not allowed to do in such cases. Although even the latest provisions fail to give a clue for correctly running such phenomena, the Authors suggest a diagnostic and rehabilitation/reinstating programme that, by involving the main operators in charge of prevention both at work and inside health territorial services, can set reasonable aims and feasible operating plans granting all due respect for the workers' dignity and self determination