It is commonly assumed that addiction only affects lower income individuals, teenagers, and unemployed people, however, no profession is excluded from the list of those that can struggle with addiction, even professional careers. Professionals, as well as their employers, should be aware of the signs of addiction in adults, as left untreated it can lead to medical issues, legal problems, and ultimately, very real financial losses.
It is important to remember that addiction can start for a number of reasons, and those that work in professional situations may be especially vulnerable due to difficult working conditions, high stress situations, and access to substances. We must also remember that addiction is a medical issue and not solely a moral one. Understanding and recognizing the signs of addiction can help an employer know how to best address it, from seeking help to being able to take necessary disciplinary action, as necessary.
The first sign of addiction in an individual should be their behavior. If an employee is more irritable, distracted, or is falling below his or her usual standards of work performance, this could be a sign that something isn’t right. Other signs may include coming to work late and/or leaving early, taking prolonged breaks, and having attendance problems. Additionally, having physical changes such as weight gain or weight loss, physical health issues, and red or glassy eyes can also be indicators that there is something more going on.
When addressing the problem with an employee, it is important to be aware of the language used. When talking to an employee, he or she should not feel like they are being judged or stigmatized for having a problem. Alternatively, the company should offer support and help the employee seek the resources he or she may need to get treatment and manage their addiction.
In addition to talking to an individual about addiction, employers can also put policies in place for their employees that can help detect unhealthy behavior. For instance, employers can conduct periodic breathalyzer tests on all employees as a preventative measure to prevent substance abuse in the workplace. Additionally, employers should ensure that their employees are provided with the necessary resources to help prevent addiction from happening in the first place, such as having benefits for employees to access psychological counseling.
When it comes to dealing with addiction, there are certain steps that employers can take to ensure the safety of their employees as well as the operation of their business. Knowing the signs of addiction can help employers spot issues early on and take immediate action. Additionally, employers should be sure to provide the necessary resources to help those struggling with addiction seek the help they need. By keeping an open dialogue, providing resources, and creating workplace policies, employers can help create a more positive working environment for their employees and help reduce the risk of addiction.