Supporting Colleagues with Addiction
Signs of Alcohol or Drug Misuse At Work
‘I am concerned that my colleague is misusing drugs and alcohol at work and this is impairing their ability to perform in their role and might affect their job security. What should I do?’
Firstly you want to be sure that there is a problem. There are no signs that are 100% reliable indicators that someone is using drugs or alcohol in the workplace unless you see them actually ingesting a substance on the premises. However, there are some behaviours that are frequently indications that someone may be struggling with a drug or alcohol issue.
Frequent signs of addiction issues at work include:
- Changes in reliability (sudden absenteeism, tardiness, or other changes in schedule issues);
- Irritability;
- Sudden lack of concern over appearance and self-presentation;
- Frequent trips to the restroom or on an unusual number of “breaks”;
- Unusual smells or body odour, large amounts of cologne being used;
- The smell of alcohol;
- Sleepiness due to lack of sleep at night;
- Mood disturbance;
- Decreased productivity or performance;
- Over-sensitivity to criticisms about work performance;
- Signs of burnout, stress and anxiety;
- If abusing stimulants such as cocaine at work you may notice sudden bursts of excitement, energy, stimulation, over-confidence, and seeming ‘wired’.
Helping Colleagues with Alcohol & Drug Problems
If you suspect a coworker may be struggling with drug or alcohol addiction in the workplace, there are some things you can do to try and support them in getting help.
- Avoid confrontation or accusations in front of other coworkers, supervisors, or management, and avoid being accusatory or judgmental.
- Present your concern for their well-being and their job security and career success which will inevitably be negatively impacted by substance use at work.
- Stick to the facts about the behaviours you have noticed that indicate the coworker might be struggling with addiction.
- Present informed non-judgmental information about the personal and professional negative consequences of addiction at work (especially related to any that are already evident) and offer support and information to assist the person in accessing help.
- Present the importance of sobriety to maintaining employment.
If they do not respond to you and the problem continues then it would be advisable to speak to your company’s human resources department or a sympathetic line manager, before the problem escalates.
More Information
For more information on how to help a colleague with alcohol or drug problems at work, contact us at Castle Craig for support and guidance.
How Can Castle Craig Help?
Who will I speak to when I call Castle Craig?
When you call you will reach our Help Centre team who will give you all the information you need to help you decide whether to choose treatment at Castle Craig. If you decide that you would like to have a free screening assessment you will be asked a series of questions to build up a picture of your medical and drug use history as well as any mental health issues you are facing. If you decide you want to proceed with treatment you will be put in touch with our admissions case managers who will guide you through the admissions process.
How long is the rehab programme?
Residential rehab treatment starts at 4 weeks and can go up to 12+ weeks. Research shows us that the longer you stay in rehab and are part of the residential therapy programme, the longer the likelihood of continued abstinence and stable recovery.
How do I pay for rehab?
One concern we sometimes hear from people is how they will fund their rehab treatment. You can pay for treatment at Castle Craig privately, or through medical insurance, and some people receive funding through the NHS. The cost of rehab varies depending on what kind of accommodation you choose.
What happens at the end of my treatment?
Castle Craig thoroughly prepares patients before departure by creating a personalised continuing care plan which is formulated following discussions with the medical and therapeutic team. We offer an online aftercare programme which runs for 24 weeks after leaving treatment, in order to ensure a smooth transition back into your everyday life. Patients leaving treatment automatically join our Recovery Club where they can stay connected via our annual reunion, events, online workshops and recovery newsletters.