What is Substance Abuse in the Workplace?
Most people with substance use disorders continue to hold down a job and may even be successful in their career. Addiction happens gradually and in the beginning stages, which causes many to feel they are still in control of their substance use because negative consequences or signs of addiction are not severe enough. However, substance use disorders are progressive and it is only a matter of time before it begins to affect all areas of their life, including their work. Even if they are not actively using during work hours, the effects of substance abuse will still show up in the workplace. Recuperating from a night of substance abuse can decrease workplace performance or worse, they could be a danger to themselves or others. There are several other signs your employee needs help including mood swings and general appearance.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
How to Prevent Substance Abuse in the Workplace
It is important to remember that addiction and substance abuse is a chronic disorder and like any other illness, the person cannot help it. However, with proper help, anyone can overcome addiction. Substance abuse can not only have a negative impact on the person, it can also cause problems at work including increased sick days and potential for injury. Here are some ways employers can help those with substance abuse problems or potentially help them from occurring.
- Drug Screening/Drug Testing. Incorporating randomized testing can help your employees stay away from drug use.
- Educational Programs. A multifaceted educational program including material on the risk of drug and alcohol abuse, substance abuse prevention, healthy life and coping skills for stress, and where to reach out for help.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). EAPs provide confidential help to employees with mental health or substance abuse issues and find the help they need.
- Drug Use Policies. These policies can include detailed descriptions on employee’s rights, confidentiality, disciplinary action, and how they can get assistance without fear if they are struggling with drug or alcohol use.
- Help While in Recovery. When a person struggling with addiction gets help, you should not walk away from them but help them succeed in their recovery. Ensure your company has programs that support your employees while they go through recovery such as holding their job.
10 Signs of Employee Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and addiction may be subtle at the beginning. Some signs your employee needs help include:
1. Changes in Behavior or Personality.
One of the first indicators of substance abuse issues is a change in the employee’s normal behavior or demeanor. These can include dramatic shifts such as lashing out at colleagues for lying; however, other behavioral changes may be more subtle. For example, a typical social employee has become withdrawn or someone who is always on time is now chronically late. While these are not sure signs of substance abuse, it is crucial to talk to your employee to determine the reasons behind their actions.
2. Decreased Quality of Work or Productivity.
Substance abuse may begin to take priority over all areas of a person’s life, including their work responsibilities. They may miss deadlines at work, make several mistakes in their work, or have lowered work performance overall. Drinking or doing drugs to excess several nights a week will leave people feeling tired, sick, and not performing their best, which will reflect in their work. If you are seeing your employee regularly coming in hungover, which can include sweating, shaking, and vomiting, it may indicate a substance use disorder.
3. Increased Absences.
Individuals with alcohol or drug issues may begin to have more unplanned absences due to excessive substance use. They may start to also need more time off due to long term health consequences as a result of their substance abuse which may include mental health and physical health problems.
4. Constant Health Issues and Physical Indications.
Drug and alcohol addiction can cause several negative health effects and general unwellness may be a sign of substance abuse. Some physical symptoms may include:
- Bags under the eyes
- Flu-like symptoms such as aches and chills
- Marks and sores on the skin
- Terrible breath or dental issues
- Constant pains and cramps
5. Financial Concerns.
Drug and alcohol addiction affects all areas of a person’s life, including their finances. Funding an addiction is often expensive and as they begin to build tolerance, they will need more drugs or alcohol to feel the same high which will cost them more. The employee with drug or alcohol dependency may frequently discuss money issues or ask to borrow money. Other signs of financial hardship include asking for raises or advances regularly or borrowing against retirement savings.
6. Lack of Self-Care.
Individuals with substance abuse issues will begin to neglect their appearance and hygiene. Continuing to take care of daily functions, such as brushing teeth or hair, or washing clothes, can be highly difficult when the person is high or hungover. The person may have bad body odor either from not showering or from the substance use itself, such as constantly smelling like alcohol.
7. Frequent Small Accidents.
A decrease in coordination, lack of focus, and lack of sleep due to excessive drug and alcohol use can cause accidents at work and in their personal life. They may frequently have bruises or scrapes due to falls, or have care accidents. Run-ins with the law such as DUIs or fights can also be an indicator.
8. Changes in Speech.
They may exhibit a hoarse voice frequently or have slurred speech.
9. Drinking Heavily or Uses Drugs at Work Events.
Individuals with substance abuse issues may not be drunk or high all the time, which has probably added to the denial they have an issue and are in control of their substance use. However, when they do get the chance to drink or do drugs, they will do it to excess and may grow in frequency. At certain stages of addiction, the person may invite their coworkers to join them for drinks after work but end up doing it to excess and entice others to do the same.
10. Frequent Trips to the Bathroom.
An individual needing to do drugs or drink to get through the workday will attempt to do it in private which is most likely the bathroom. They may begin disappearing for frequent periods to go to the bathroom or their car. You may notice they come back more alert, with a runny nose, or sometimes using perfumes and aftershaves to disguise the smell of certain substances.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
How Union First Can Help Union Members Find Behavioral Health Treatment for Substance Abuse
Union First is an employee assistance program for union members, public service employees, and their families. We offer several services including treatment placement which helps our members find the right treatment program for mental health and substance abuse in their area through an initial assessment of their case. Members can confidentially reach out to us when they are struggling with substance abuse and we can guide them on how to get the right help. Other services include job protection services which will help employees keep their job while they are in treatment. Our team also conducts on-site training sessions that will educate union members with tools they need to manage stress, handle a crisis, and how to take advantage of all our services. We also include a private network of telehealth providers to get our members mental health appointments within 24 to 48 hours of their call.
If you would like more information about our employee assistance services, please call us today. We are available 24/7 to take your call.