Signs A Co-Worker is Struggling with Alcohol or Drug Abuse
One’s private life in the workplace is a generally respected topic but when it comes to possible signs that a co-worker may be struggling with drug or alcohol abuse and addiction that is affecting their work and co-worker relationships negatively, then it’s not something you can just ignore.
First, let’s look at the possible signs of alcohol and drug abuse that extends to the workplace. They are as follows:
- Work performance issues
- Frequent bathroom breaks
- Reliability issues
- Coming into work with a drug or alcohol hangover
- Frequently absent from work due to “illness” or other excuses
- Financial problems
- Visible health issues such as sunken eyes, weight changes, skin discoloration, dental issues, and more
- Poor personal hygiene
- Erratic and unpredictable behavior
While these signs may indicate a drug or alcohol abuse problem, it’s important not to jump to a conclusion or attack the person verbally without knowing for sure that there is a problem; you are there to help them overcome their problems.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
What to Do if You Suspect a Coworker is Abusing Drugs or Alcohol
If you suspect your work colleague is abusing drugs or alcohol and that it’s seeping into their work life, you can help them get the appropriate treatment that they need.
If the worker is part of an employee assistance program (EAP) such as Union First, they can provide actionable steps, confidential assessments, and referrals to top addiction treatment centers in your area. You can talk with your union rep privately to bring attention to the matter with the goal of helping the person to overcome their possible substance addiction.
Can I Be Fired for Going to Alcohol and Drug Rehab?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects people from being fired for getting addiction treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab. You are allowed as much as 12 weeks of unpaid work to attend to things such as rehab without losing your job. Substance use disorder (addiction) is classified as a mental health disorder and therefore falls under the umbrella of FMLA protection.
Treatment Options for Workers
If a person is facing substance use disorder and is unable to stop drug and alcohol abuse by themselves, then they need addiction treatment programs. Treatment for addiction is offered in a flexible way to be able to help any type of person with any type of recovery and flexibility need. This means that you can receive inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and aftercare treatment and when combining these treatment options into a personalized treatment plan, the best outcomes are often achieved.
Treatment programs tend to range from 30 to 90 days and it is suggested that at least three months be spent in treatment and aftercare programs according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
How Union First Can Help
Union First is an employee assistance program where you can be helped to find substance abuse treatment programs to help those struggling with addiction. Our placement services will sift through the endless drug and alcohol rehab information so that you can get the treatment that matches your recovery needs.
As a Union First member, we will protect your job while you get the drug or alcohol addiction treatment that you need. Our robust range of employee assistance services will help to guide you through behavioral health treatment and addiction treatment programs so that you can return to your work drug- and alcohol-free. Call us today for more information on member benefits.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.