Alcohol, drugs & medication

The Netherlands often wrongly has the image that with alcohol and drugs more is allowed more than in other countries. This is not true! In the Netherlands, possessing and dealing (soft) drugs is prohibited! You are not even allowed by law to possess a soft drug, such as weed, even though it is sold in coffee shops. You can also be fined or imprisoned if you are caught with drugs in your possession in the Netherlands

In addition to what is not allowed in the Netherlands regarding alcohol and drugs, their use also has negative effects on your health, work and social life.

Zerotolerance policy at FHS

Flexible Human Services feels responsible for the well-being of its employees, both at work and at home. Here, education about alcohol, drugs and medications plays an important role. This starts with basic rules about alcohol, drugs and medication at work. We have a zero tolerance policy. Possessing, using and being under the influence of alcohol and drugs while at work is not permitted. Also be aware that alcohol and drugs remain in the body even longer and you must be sober in the workplace. For example, if you start work at 08:00 but have been drinking alcohol until 02:00, there is a very good chance that you are still under the influence when you start work. This can have major consequences and even lead to dismissal from your employer FHS. So moderate your use of alcohol and drugs and stop in time! You are responsible for this yourself!

Living

If you also want housing through us, it is offered by Flexwonen.nu. They too have rules in housing. The use of alcohol is allowed, as long as it is in moderation and you do not cause a nuisance.

There is a zero tolerance policy on soft and hard drugs, both for use and possession. If this policy is exceeded, there can be major consequences and even losing your housing. So don't do it and take responsibility!

Medicine

In the Netherlands, it is not possible to buy all medicines just like that, with the exception of light painkillers and medicines against colds. These are freely available at the pharmacy or drugstore. In most cases, you must first make an appointment with your doctor, who will evaluate you first. Only with a prescription from your doctor can you pick up the appropriate medication at the pharmacy.

Do you have a chronic disease for which you take medication? And are you coming to the Netherlands? Then make sure that you take your medication with you to the Netherlands for the first three months. Flexible Human Services can always help you make an appointment with a GP. It is also possible for someone to come along to help as an interpreter. Read more about how it works in the Netherlands on the page about health care in the Netherlands.

Medications can also be dangerous to yourself or form others in the work environment. For example, when it reduces your ability to react. For this reason, it is important to always stick to the quantity prescribed by the doctor and read the package insert carefully. If you use medication that has an effect on your consciousness and/or reaction time, we strongly advise you to report this to your manager at work. Then this can be taken into account and the work environment remains safe!

Problems

Do you feel that your alcohol and/or drug use is problematic? Or are you addicted? Then seek help! It is very unwise to come to the Netherlands when you have problems. Chances are that the problems will get worse in a foreign and unfamiliar country.

Are you already in the Netherlands and having problems? There are several agencies in the Netherlands that can help you. Almost all help goes through GP. The GP can refer you to the right organization after an interview. The social guidance team of Flexible Human Services can help you make an appointment and find the right help for you!

Read more about psychological help on this page.