Identifying Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace

Employees who are are under the influence of drugs or alcohol can pose a risk to both themselves and their coworkers since their judgment and decision-making may be clouded. Organizational consequences could include risky working conditions, reduced productivity, and possibly legal and financial repercussions. Furthermore, drug and alcohol abuse can foster an environment that makes it challenging to complete tasks. When employees and employers learn how to identify and address signs of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace, they can help create a safer and more positive workplace.

Impact of Drug and Alcohol Use at Work

The effects of substances on the body and brain can be substantial and can be different depending on the type of substance. Stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. Alcohol and other depressants can impede the central nervous system, which can cause sedation and poor coordination. Narcotics, such as opioids, can lead to euphoria, pain relief, drowsiness, and slowed breathing.

Abuse of drugs or alcohol at work can result in lower morale, more accidents and injuries, more tardiness and absenteeism, lower productivity, and higher healthcare expenditures. Moreover, if the company doesn't take the necessary steps, it could result in legal problems, such as accountability for an employee's behavior while under the influence. To safeguard their company, staff, and clients, employers must be proactive in addressing drug and alcohol addiction in the workplace.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

For some people, using drugs or alcohol outside of work may not impact their performance in the workplace. However, when substance use becomes a disorder, it is no longer a voluntary behavior and the person is unable to control it. Despite the damaging consequences it has on their health, relationships, and ability to perform their jobs, individuals with a Substance Use Disorder may struggle to cut back on their use due to high cravings for the drug. In most cases, SUDs will qualify as protected disabilities under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

There are a lot of stigmas associated with substance use, and it’s important to learn how to use neutral, nonjudgmental language when talking about substance use and substance use disorder. For example, doctors used to think of addiction to a substance, or substance use disorder, as a moral failing, where someone chooses to continue using a substance despite its harmful effects. But as psychologists and neuroscientists began to better understand how substances affect the brain, they began to take a different view, known as the disease model of substance use disorder.

Biological factors that influence Substance Use Disorder (SUD) include neurological factors, brain chemistry, and genetics. Research suggests that up to half of a person’s risk of developing a SUD depends on their genes. Psychological factors include things like peer pressure or experiences of trauma. Additionally, factors like emotional distress, anxiety, and depression could also cause a SUD to develop. Many people who have substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, or anxiety disorder.

Common Signs of Drug and Alcohol Misuse

Substance misuse can have a serious and negative impact on the workplace. It is important for employers to be aware of potential signs that an employee is using or abusing substances, such as alcohol and drugs. Getting to know your coworkers is the first step to identifying when something is wrong, whether it be substance use or something else. One of the most common symptoms of substance use is a change in behavior or attitude, including increased irritability or mood swings.

Additional behavioral symptoms of substance use in the workplace can include regularly missing work, especially with no or short notice, difficulty keeping appointments and meeting deadlines, regular and lengthy disappearances from the office or work site, alternate periods of high productivity and low productivity, or difficulty with concentration or memory.

Physical symptoms are another common sign of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace. Some of the most commonly observed physical symptoms of substance use at work include bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and noticeable changes in weight or hygiene. However, you will want to keep in mind that while these physical symptoms are common in substance use, they may also be caused by other factors. Therefore, it can be important to observe other signs of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace before seeking help from a manager or HR.

Strategies for Identifying Drug and Alcohol Misuse

Substance use stigma is a pervasive and harmful social issue. In fact, the term “substance use or misuse” is generally considered more appropriate than the traditional “substance abuse” term, because it better reflects the complex nature of substance use and its potential for both positive and negative outcomes. Substance use can be beneficial, such as when it is used to treat medical conditions, or it can be harmful, such as when it is used recreationally or in excess.

This stigma of a Substance Use Disorder can have a range of effects on people who misuse drugs and alcohol, including limiting access to treatment and support services, provoking emotions of guilt and shame, and putting up further obstacles to recovery. The negative effects of substance use may be exacerbated by the prejudice that substance users may face in settings like the workplace, housing, and healthcare.

In order to get help for a coworker facing substance use disorder, there are a few strategies for identifying whether they are misusing drugs or alcohol. These can include regular performance evaluations to discuss concerns about productivity, implementing drug and alcohol testing, and encouraging open communication. If you are concerned about a coworker's possible substance abuse, you can keep track of the dates and times of any instances that caught your attention and alert your manager or human resources, team. Even though it's crucial to avoid discrimination, it's equally critical to pay attention to your coworker's well-being and take action if necessary.

What To Do Next?

It is important to make sure that every employee is knowledgeable of the dangers and repercussions of using alcohol and drugs at work. One way to keep employees educated and prepared is to help us with training that emphasizes the importance of following workplace policies and procedures, communicating openly and honestly, and respecting the rights of all employees.

EasyLlama’s Workplace Safety course on Drugs and Alcohol can help employers teach their team how to identify and address substance use in the workplace, creating a safer and more positive environment for all. Interested in learning more about implementing EasyLlama training? Access your free course preview today to see how our interactive quizzes and real-life videos can engage your employees to better retain this vital knowledge.