Substance abuse and addiction are major issues that affect workplaces across the country. Many people struggling with addiction try to hide it from colleagues, but there are often signs that something is amiss. Being aware of the warning signs can help identify colleagues who need support and intervention. Here are some signs that a co-worker may be struggling with addiction.
Frequent Absences and Tardiness
One of the most common signs of addiction in the workplace is frequent unexplained absences and tardiness. The addicted worker may call in sick often, especially on Mondays or Fridays. They may regularly show up late to work without a valid reason. Excessive breaks during the workday are also common. These patterns of irregular attendance are red flags of an underlying substance abuse problem.
Declining Performance and Focus
As addiction progresses, work performance and productivity often suffer. The addicted colleague may struggle with duties that were previously easy for them to complete. You may notice more mistakes, missed deadlines, and a lack of focus or engagement. They may appear distracted, unfocused, and disinterested during meetings. A noticeable decline in output can indicate that drugs or alcohol are interfering with work.
Physical Changes and Appearance
Some physical warning signs may accompany addiction. Bloodshot eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, and abrupt weight loss or gain can indicate substance abuse. The colleague may look unkempt, exhausted, or hungover. You may notice tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination. Smelling of alcohol or strange odors can also be a giveaway. Drastic changes in appearance over a short time can raise red flags.
Interpersonal Changes
Addiction often leads to personality and behavior changes. A normally outgoing co-worker may become withdrawn and isolated. They may appear irritable, anxious, depressed, or demonstrate radical mood swings. Relationship issues characterized by conflict with colleagues or management may arise. The colleague may become defensive or secretive when questioned about their behavior. Emotional volatility and interpersonal problems signal that something deeper may be occurring.
Preoccupation with Drugs/Alcohol
One of the clearest signs of addiction is an increased preoccupation with drugs or alcohol. The colleague may talk about drinking or drug use frequently. You may notice them sneaking drinks during work hours or hear reports of them drunk or high outside of work. Requesting favors like borrowing money or asking to leave work early to pick up prescriptions could indicate abuse of drugs. Dishonesty about their activities outside of work is also telling.
What You Can Do
If you suspect a colleague is struggling with addiction, speak up. Express your concern and be prepared to provide concrete examples of troubling behavior. Encourage them to seek help through an employee assistance program or counseling. Offer support and recommend resources. Addiction programs designed to help professionals struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs exist, so consider offering details where appropriate.
With empathy and care, you may be able to motivate them to get their life back on track. Although challenging, confronting addiction issues in the workplace head-on can save jobs and lives.
Matthew is a seasoned researcher and writer with over five years of experience creating engaging SEO content. He is passionate about exploring new ideas and sharing his knowledge through writing. Matthew has a keen eye for detail and takes pride in producing content that is not only informative but also visually appealing. He constantly expands his skill set and stays up-to-date with the latest SEO trends to ensure that his content always performs well in search rankings. Matthew can be found reading, surfing, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen when he’s not writing.