ADDICTION IN THE WORKPLACE
The sheer volume of people who have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or drugs make it inevitable that many of us may have a colleague who is struggling. Due to the high numbers of people in society who have a dependency on alcohol or substances, there’s a good chance we will at some stage work with someone who has an addiction. Being able to spot the signs means you may be able to act to help a colleague to reach out for the help they need, support them to take action before their job or health is put at serious risk and perhaps prevent a catastrophic incident such as an accident or sackable offence.
Excessive alcohol or drug use – it may seem like a statement of the obvious to say that someone who has an addiction is likely to use drink or drugs excessively, yet it is clearly a sign that must be considered. Not everyone who has a drug or alcohol problem will drink or use every day. In fact, many people can live in prolonged denial because they believe their ability to abstain from drink on certain days of the week – or between certain times of the day – is proof that they are in control. However, people who are addicted are likely to drink or take drugs to excess at times and these instances may become more frequent. At certain stages of dependence, someone with a problem may try to entice others to join them to drink or take drugs to excess after work or at lunch. Later they may begin hiding their drink or drug use.
Increased signs of being unreliable or changes in reliability. As mentioned above, one of the signs of addiction is beginning to fail to meet responsibilities and prioritizing drinking or drug taking over other things that someone used to value. For some people, this may perhaps mean failing to make themselves available for childcare or no longer being on time for work or appointments. It could also manifest itself as missing deadlines for projects at work, not stepping up to help with things they may usually have done or failing to deliver necessary results. Someone in an earlier stage of addiction may work very hard to ensure they are always on time and don’t miss responsibilities despite their drinking or drug use to maintain the illusion of being in control, both to themselves and others.
Increased absenteeism. People who have an alcohol or drugs issue may have unplanned absences due to excessive drink or drug sessions or start to need time off due to more long-term health consequences because of their substance use. These may be physical issues or be due to associated mental ill health problems, such as depression. Patterns of absenteeism or ill health are also things to look out for, such as being regularly absent or ill on Mondays or straight after pay day.
Coming to work while unwell due to drink or drugs A sign of addiction to alcohol and some drugs is the presence of physical withdrawal symptoms following a period without using. With alcohol, for example, this may include vomiting, stomach cramps, sweating and the shakes. Frequently coming to work with these symptoms or during a hangover or comedown from alcohol or drugs may be a sign of a problem. Not all substances cause physical withdrawal in everyone. There may be other signs of or cannabis addiction, for example. Heightened anxiety, depression, irritability, or paranoia may also be aftereffects of harmful or dependent drink and drug use.
Frequent trips to the bathroom If someone is needing to use drugs or drink to get through the workday, they may begin disappearing for frequent periods alone. They may return seeming more alert, with dilated pupils or with a runny nose, if they are a cocaine user for example. Sometimes aftershave, perfume or mints may be used in a bid to disguise the smell of cannabis or alcohol.
Performance issues. Excessive or addictive drink or drug use is, over time, likely to take a toll on performance at work. Earlier in their addiction journey, a person may be able to maintain performance and hide their problem, but in time it is likely to have an impact. Negative changes in someone’s performance or ability to cope are indicators for concern.
Personality changes such as heightened aggression, paranoia or irritability Addiction often leads people to begin displaying personality traits that are not usual for them. This can display as aggression, an inability to cope, signs of paranoia or being very irritable or moody. Alternatively, they may also become more blasé and appear to care less about their work.
Money issues Funding an addiction is often expensive and, as tolerance tends to increase with exposure to many drugs, a growing level of dependence often leads to an increasingly expensive habit. A worker who is drug or alcohol dependent may begin to show signs of increased money troubles, may ask to borrow money or struggle to pay their way for other things.
Your workers are the backbone of your business. That’s why it’s important that you’re aware of their health and well-being. If you suspect anyone in your organization is suffering from substance abuse, it’s best to act now and intervene. The safety of your employee and the future of your company may depend on it. Help is waiting at Jorgs Ark Centre is in Limuru an area called Tigoni and Kiambu along Riabai road. Call us on 0721712968 or 0713692848 to speak with a member of our admission staff.