You may have a preconceived notion of what alcoholics and drug addicts look and act like, based on what the media portrays. However, people with substance use disorders often manage to hold down full-time employment. Unfortunately, drinking and doing drugs on the job has significant consequences for employees and customers. Identifying drug abuse in the workplace can help those with substance use disorders get the assistance they need at a drug detox program. We have drug-specific addiction recovery programs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. To learn more, contact our team today at 866.516.8356.
Identifying Drug Abuse in Your Workplace
If you supervise or work with someone and notice erratic behavior, you may suspect alcohol or drug use. Typical behavior that accompanies substance abuse at work includes the following:
- Tardiness: Someone who is always late may have an issue with drug or alcohol abuse. They need extra time to sleep off a hangover or to get enough rest after staying out late.
- Mood swings: If you notice that a calm employee is suddenly becoming irrational, this could indicate drug or alcohol use.
- Poor appearance: If an employee begins to show up at work with poor appearance and hygiene, it could indicate a downward spiral of substance abuse.
- Missed work: People who suddenly begin to call off work frequently may have an issue with substance abuse.
- Poor job performance: When employees drink or do drugs, their work will ultimately suffer. As addiction takes over, other priorities fall to the wayside, including work goals.
Our behavioral therapy treatment and other evidence-based programs can help your employees regain control of their lives. Our holistic therapy approach provides coping skills to maintain sobriety and clean living.
How to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Use in the Workplace
Your company probably already has a policy against using drugs or alcohol on the job. Most companies screen new employees and conduct random drug testing to prevent this issue. It’s never too late to draft a written policy that prohibits substance abuse at your company. Keep the policy specific and include consequences for first, second, and subsequent offenses.
Setting up a policy for drug abuse in the workplace gives you recourse in case anyone violates the policy. However, those addicted to drugs or alcohol may not care about losing their job if they have to give up their habit. That’s why it’s important to monitor employees for unusual activity and act appropriately. Additionally, early intervention can prevent a loss of productivity and safety issues related to drug abuse in the workplace.
Most companies send those suffering from drug abuse in the workplace to human resources. HR representatives usually have the training needed to get help for the employee or handle the termination process. Referring an employee to a drug or alcohol detox center can help them purge their bodies of toxic substances and get the professional help needed to overcome addiction.
Ways to Prevent Drug Abuse in the Workplace
Hire approachable, supportive leadership so that employees feel comfortable reporting drug use at work. It also helps to include addiction recovery in your company’s insurance benefits. That way, employees can get the help they need and come back to work when they are ready to resume their responsibilities.
Drug Addiction Recovery in Houston
Drug abuse in the workplace can compromise workplace safety and productivity. It’s essential to have a written policy to handle reported cases of drug abuse in the workplace. Partnering with a trusted addiction recovery center in Houston can prevent accidents and encourage early intervention for employees at risk. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston at 866.516.8356 for more information on drug abuse in the workplace and how we can partner with your business to create a safe environment for addiction recovery.
