Drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace is a significant problem. In fact, it can have serious consequences for both the individual and the company. Substance abuse can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, accidents, and injuries on the job. In addition, it can contribute to an overall negative company culture. Using drugs or alcohol at work can be a sign of a substance use disorder. When this happens, workers often need help to find recovery. If you or someone you love is seeking substance abuse treatment in Tampa, Florida, BoardPrep Recovery might be your solution.
Risks of Drug and Alcohol Use in the Workplace
One of the most significant impacts of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace is the risk of accidents and injuries. Substance abuse can impair cognitive and motor function, making it more difficult to perform tasks safely and accurately. In some professions, like those that require operating heavy machinery, the consequences of an accident can be catastrophic. The same goes for jobs in the healthcare field where a patient’s well-being is in the hands of another. This increased risk of accidents from drug and alcohol use in the workplace can lead to costly injuries and even fatalities. As a result, financial and legal consequences for the company often occur.
In addition to the risk of accidents and injuries, drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace can also lead to decreased productivity and absenteeism. Substance abuse can negatively affect an individual’s ability to perform their job duties effectively, leading to decreased productivity. This absenteeism can disrupt workflow and lead to decreased productivity for the company as a whole.
The negative impact of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace is not limited to the individual who is using substances. Substance abuse can also create an unhealthy environment, impacting morale and leading to conflicts among coworkers. If one employee is struggling with a drug or alcohol use disorder, their coworkers may be unfairly relied upon to complete projects, be made to feel uncomfortable by the user’s behavior or be put at risk by their coworker’s impairment. This can lead to a decrease in job satisfaction and an increase in turnover. As a result, further disruptions in the workplace take place.
Signs of Substance Use Disorder
It is important to understand how to identify if someone may have a problem with drugs or alcohol at work. People with substance use disorders cannot simply stop using when they want to, which leads to more people using drugs or alcohol at work than might be expected. To keep employees safe and to be able to offer proper support to someone who is struggling, the company should be well-versed in these matters. Some indicators that someone might be suffering from a substance use disorder include:
- Increased absences or lateness
- Changes in behavior like slurred speech, drowsiness, or dishonesty
- Changes in hygiene
- Dramatic changes in mood, like irritability or anger
- Isolation from coworkers
Being aware of these signs and knowing how to address them can help to keep everyone in a workplace safe and motivated. It is also imperative to have a strict and clear drug and alcohol policy. Furthermore, it’s crucial to effectively communicate this message to all employees. This helps to create a healthy environment and makes it easier for employees to come forward if they think they may have a problem.
Risk of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace? BoardPrep Recovery Can Help
Are you or someone you know struggling with a substance use disorder? Are you having trouble not drinking or doing drugs at work? If so, intervention might be extremely beneficial. Most people need help to succeed in sobriety. Fortunately, BoardPrep Recovery can provide an array of treatments to meet the needs of many patients. Contact us today at 866.796.4720 to learn more about how we can help.
