Contrary to what many people believe, those who are battling substance use disorders may still be going to work and holding down their jobs. It is estimated that over 70 percent of people abusing illicit drugs in the U.S. are still employed. Most are binge drinkers, based on the study’s findings. If you have become dependent on a substance with harmful side-effects, Solution Based Treatment & Detox can help.
How Does Addiction Affect the Workplace?
Drug abuse costs employers a shocking $81 billion each year. The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, as well as the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, worked together to study workplace health and safety issues, including impairment from drugs and alcohol.
The National Safety Council also reports that drug and alcohol use in the workplace has a significant impact on the country’s workforce, with 75% of adults with a substance use disorder still going to work every day. Some of the most frequent injuries on the job, like slips, trips, falls, or overexertion can lead to opioid prescriptions for chronic pain, heightening the risk of a workforce that struggles with opioid addiction and dependency. Addiction and dependence can cause problems in the workplace. Some of these issues include:
- A withdrawal that impacts the client’s job performance
- Illegal activities at work, like selling illegal drugs to employees
- Psychological effects caused by a friend, coworker, or family member using illicit drugs
- Preoccupation with using while at work, which may interfere with concentration or attention
What Are the Signs of Workplace Addiction and Drug or Alcohol Problems?
Workplace drug abuse or alcohol abuse can come across in several ways. Some of the signs that a colleague or coworker may have a drug use problem include:
- Unusual risk-taking
- Financial problems
- Disregard for themselves or the safety of others
- Lowered productivity
- Erratic work patterns
- Mistakes, errors in judgment, and carelessness
- Deterioration of hygiene and personal appearance
- Being late, making regular complaints, or taking time off for vague reasons
- Extended lunches, late arrivals, and early departures
- Unexplained disappearances throughout the workday
- Poor concentration
- Inconsistent work and job performance
Unfortunately, when an employee is high or impaired, there is a greater chance that they or someone else could be hurt in a workplace accident. When the signs of drug or substance abuse are present, it may be time for an intervention. At Solution Based Treatment, we can help you get the treatment you need. Call us at 833.999.1941 to find out more about the options open for treating a workplace addiction.
How Can Employers Help with Drug Use or a Workplace Addiction On the Job?
Many employers now have employee assistance programs, or EAPs, as well as drug-free workplace programs (DFWP). With these programs, employees and their families have more access to community services and referrals to seek assistance for drug or substance use concerns.
EAP programs have some benefits that have to be considered. For example, they encourage a continued drug-free lifestyle through regular urine testing and connections between the employees and trained personnel. Workplace monitors may be set into place to offer local treatment resources, peer support, and recovery options.
You Can Overcome the Struggles of a Workplace Addiction
The good news is that you can overcome an addiction, whether you’re dealing with drug abuse or alcohol abuse. There are many treatment options, such as intensive outpatient treatment or partial hospitalization, which will allow you to continue working as you recover, too.
At Solution Based Treatment, we know that you can overcome the challenges of addiction and move forward with a sober lifestyle. We offer addiction and detox treatment as well as psychiatric care for clients like yourself. Call today at 833.999.1941 to learn more about how we can help.