Whether you prefer the term ‘addiction’ or ‘substance abuse’, the condition itself is bad news for everyone involved. Drugs and alcohol ruin lives. We know that. But we often make the mistake of believing those struggling with addiction don’t participate in the culture. But they do. They have families, friends, hobbies – and yes, even full-time jobs.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can affect nearly anyone at any stage of life. When it is a problem in the workplace, the affected individual isn’t the only one who bears the consequences. So do co-workers and managers. Customers might be affected, as well. What are you to do as an owner or manager? To begin with, commit to being proactive.
It Could Be Anyone
Being proactive about addiction in the workplace begins with understanding addiction’s realities. Addiction is not something people set out to accomplish. It’s not a goal. It is the result of using drugs or alcohol but ultimately not being able to exercise self-control.
Think about it this way: the very next person to become addicted to drugs or alcohol could be anyone. As a business owner or manager, it could be any of your employees. We live in a society where access to addictive substances is far too easy. That takes its toll.
Watch for the Signs
Being proactive about addiction in the workplace means watching for the signs. A person addicted to drugs or alcohol will begin exhibiting certain signs here and there. As things progress, it should become increasingly apparent that the individual is struggling. Here’s what to look for:
· Regular tardiness and absenteeism
· A lack of concentration and focus
· A loss of performance and production
· Mood and personality changes
· Excessive time away from the workstation
· Missing deadlines, forgetting meetings, etc.
· Regular conflicts with other employees
· Poor hygiene and personal appearance.
An employee constantly late for work isn’t necessarily misusing or abusing substances. The same applies to someone who suddenly exhibits a lack of concentration. There could be any number of things responsible. But if you see three or four classic signs of addiction, step back and look more closely.
If You See Something, Say Something
As a business owner or manager, you want the best for your employees and the company. So if you see signs that concern you, speak up. You shouldn’t necessarily accuse anyone of addiction or substance abuse. But it never hurts to ask if there is something wrong. It never hurts to ask if there’s anything you can do to help.
Medically supervised detox plus rehab counselling are considered the standards of care for someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. But most people struggling with substance abuse will only go to treatment after being encouraged by others to do so. You could be the person who encourages.
Above all, you must know what you can legally do or say in substance abuse cases. You want to help your employees. But you also need to make sure you do so by the book.
It can help to get an expert opinion, and there are many recovery advice companies which offer help and intervention services for people trying to help a friend or colleague.
Workplace Policies and Education
Being proactive also means developing workplace policies and educational opportunities. Regarding policies, it is a matter of ensuring the entire company knows where you stand on drugs and alcohol in the workplace. Policies should be included in your employee handbook. Posting them in public areas, like convenience and break rooms, can also help.
Regarding education, consider regular workshops or other training sessions organised by the HR department. Perhaps you might bring in a medical professional or rehab counsellor. Some non-profit groups specialising in addiction recovery and rehab would be more than happy to send a guest speaker.
The point of the training is to keep substance abuse and addiction at the forefront of everyone’s mind. If everyone is aware of addiction’s potential and how to identify it in its early stages, those affected by it can be helped. It is all about being proactive rather than reactive.
