Signs of Addiction in the Workplace
Substance abuse within the workplace undoubtedly is something that may not be pleasant to deal with but a reality in many workplaces that needs to be addressed not only for the sake of the company and its employees but also for the well-being of the person abusing alcohol or drugs. People abusing drugs or alcohol often exhibit signs of their abuse and while just one sign may not be enough to determine substance abuse, a collection of these signs can point to addiction in the workplace.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
The signs to be on the lookout for include the following:
- Absenteeism and tardiness: Constantly being absent from work or late to appointments and meetings can be a sign that there is drug or alcohol use taking place.
- Personal hygiene: Another sign can be the deterioration of personal appearance and hygiene such as dirty clothing and not bathing.
- Physical signs: They may begin to show physical signs such as bloodshot eyes, tiredness, dilated pupils, alcohol on their breath, tremors, and other unusual physical traits common in drug and alcohol abuse.
- Mood changes: Sudden mood changes or mood swings, paranoid behavior, agitation, and other mood irregularities can be a sign of substance abuse.
- Inappropriate behavior: They may do inappropriate things that aren’t on par with their usual behavior such as laughing excessively or being extremely loud.
- Avoiding others: If the person constantly avoids other people in the workplace after lunch or after an off-site meeting then it may indicate substance abuse.
- Constant errands: They may go to the bathroom excessively or have endless errands that they excuse themselves to run, using the time to abuse drugs or alcohol.
Each sign by itself doesn’t necessarily mean there is substance abuse present but together, they can begin to reveal a larger problem that may be drug or alcohol related.
How Addiction Impacts Your Job
Substance abuse, especially in the workplace, can cause your job performance to drop significantly. You may be constantly late to meetings and work, miss work altogether, and make frequent mistakes that may cost the business money and put your job at risk.
It’s important to note that while substance abuse tends to cause significant problems with work performance for many people, some people are high-functioning addicts and can continue to perform their work duties even though they are addicted to alcohol and drugs and may even be using them in the workplace. These people need help with their addiction the same way that someone who exhibits clear signs of substance abuse that affect their work does.
Going To Rehab While Employed
It is possible to go to an inpatient rehab program and still keep your employment; however, it will likely be unpaid leave while you seek help. An outpatient treatment program can provide you with the flexibility to still go to work while also getting the help you need at times that can be worked into your schedule with minimal conflicts.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Behavioral Health and Job Protection with Union First
Our employee assistance program for Union First members gives you the best job protection possible as we ensure that the FMLA process is followed properly so that you can seek treatment for addiction without risking losing your job. Union First’s job protection services are one of our key services that will ensure that you can get access to behavioral health and addiction treatment without fearing that you may not have a job to go back to.
Reach out to Union First today to become a member and benefit from the several key employee assistance services from rehab placement services to job protection.