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Have you ever come into work high or hung over, or returned from your lunch break under the influence of drugs and alcohol? It’s likely frequent drinking or drug use will eventually affect your ability to do your job well.
Substance misuse among employees can have wide-ranging impacts on safety, productivity and morale. On-the-job substance use leads to poor decision-making skills, lost time due to frequent absenteeism and a higher risk of injuries and accidents. Read on to learn more about the effects of workplace substance abuse.
The effects of using drugs and alcohol during the workday can adversely affect your employer’s bottom line, especially if your job responsibilities require you to make on-the-spot decisions or complete tasks accurately. If your judgment is impaired because you’re working while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the quality of your work will suffer.
Other unfavorable outcomes of being intoxicated at work include:
Job-related anxiety may encourage some employees to begin using drugs and alcohol to “take the edge off” during a long, stressful day. Peer pressure from co-workers may be another reason people start abusing substances at work. Other justifications for on-the-job substance use might include the following.
Workplace substance abuse is a pervasive problem in the United States, but workers in some industries are more susceptible to developing a dependency or addiction on the job than others. These high-risk, often high-pressure professions include:
No matter how well you might think you have been hiding your workplace substance use, your supervisor and colleagues may already suspect you have an issue if your behavior has been erratic and the quality of your work has suffered. It’s best to be forthcoming and admit that you are enrolling in a treatment program. After all, if you tell everyone you are taking an extended vacation, and a fellow employee stumbles upon the fact that you’re in rehab, your dishonesty could cost you your job.
If possible, ask your boss to block off time on their calendar for a one-on-one, closed-door meeting, so you don’t have to rush through the discussion in the middle of a busy workday. Though you may feel anxious about having this difficult conversation, keep in mind that your manager will probably be relieved to know you have accepted you have a problem and are taking proactive steps to get your addiction under control. If your supervisor is the only co-worker you want to know about your decision to seek help, politely ask them to respect your need for privacy.
Beach House, tucked away in the small community of Juno Beach, Florida, provides a healing sanctuary for those who are seeking a compassionate approach to treating addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. At our state-of-the-art, beautifully appointed campus, you can get clean and sober, and discover the joys of living a substance-free life. We put recovery within your financial reach by accepting health insurance from more than 20 major providers. Contact us today to discover more.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
