The workplace is not exempt from alcohol addiction. Going out with coworkers for a couple of drinks or throwing a few back at the company holiday party are not uncommon occurrences. But there may be people working right alongside you who are struggling with alcoholism. You can do yourself and coworkers a favor by recognizing signs that someone may be dealing with alcoholism in the workplace. The individual dealing with an addiction is not only doing themselves harm, but they are putting the company and coworkers at risk too. If you think someone you work with is struggling, consult your employee handbook and contact your human resources department to help get that individual the help they need through an alcohol rehab facility like Solution Based Treatment & Detox.
Signs of Alcoholism at Work
When someone is drunk, it’s usually easy to tell. They will slur their words, seem unsteady on their feet, and act out uncharacteristically. Determining if someone is an alcoholic can be harder to do as the signs are more subtle, and the person is usually trying hard to hide these signs. While it may be uncomfortable to do so if you have proof of a coworker’s addiction and alcohol abuse during the workday, it is important that you alert your company’s human resources department and follow guidelines set forth by your company’s substance abuse policy, Employee assistance program (EAP), confidential hotline, or handbook.
Common warning signs of an alcoholic coworker include:
- Smells like alcohol at work
- Uses mints, perfumes, or mouthwash to try to cover up the smell of alcohol
- Hides alcohol in their desk
- Bloodshot eyes
- Is frequently hungover at work
- Consistently late or calls out of work
- Regularly misses deadlines
- Drinks a lot during the workday and at work events
- Lies about drinking
- Falls asleep on the job
- Has let their overall appearance or personal hygiene decline
- Has a DWI or other drinking-related legal issue
- Unexplained mood swings
Detox Starts with an Intervention
It can be hard to know how involved to get in helping a coworker get treatment for alcohol addiction. You might work closely with the person and feel a greater sense of responsibility versus the level of help you might offer a casual work acquaintance. Ultimately, it’s not your job alone. Sometimes working with the friends and family of the coworker to organize an intervention is a smart approach. In fact, of those that receive an intervention, a high percentage end up entering an addiction treatment program or rehab. A Murietta detox program can help people get through the symptoms of withdrawal in order to move on to a healthier life.
California Employee Assistance Programs
If a coworker is hesitant about seeking treatment because they are concerned for their job, they should know that there are laws to help protect employees. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) protects an employee from being fired for getting addiction treatment. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for alcohol addiction treatment. You can also consult professionals through your company’s confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or by calling an alcohol addiction treatment center like Solution Based Treatment.
Solution Based Treatment Can Help
Those who are truly struggling with alcoholism will do their best to hide the fact that they can’t stop drinking. Plus, since having a few drinks at social events with coworkers is common, it can be hard to know how much drinking is too much. By recognizing some key signs of alcoholism, you can do your part to get someone the help they need.
The SBT programs and services include:
- Medical detox
- Residential addiction treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Partial hospitalization
- Intervention services
If you or someone you know has a drinking problem in or out of the workplace, contact us today at 833.999.1941 for help.