As employers, it is our responsibility to help our employees. When individuals are struggling, they often look for someone to offer a helping hand. Addiction, for example, is a common condition that many face.

Categorized as a neurophysiological disorder, addiction can have detrimental effects on a person. Unfortunately, it can completely consume and ruin one’s life, workplace relationships, and environment. In turn, it can pose health and safety risks to coworkers and customers. 

In this article, we will dive into the reality of addiction and how you can help someone who is struggling.

How to Address Addiction in the Workplace

The best way to address this in the workplace is through empathy and understanding. If you treat someone in an insulting and degrading manner, they will most likely reject your help. 

In fact, they may begin to shut others out and increase drug and substance abuse. Therefore, this should be avoided. No one wants to see their colleagues struggle, so it is best to address addiction with respect and tact.

Identifying Drug Use

It’s important to be able to identify drug use properly. This can be achieved through the implementation of routine testing. Typically, drug tests are categorized as DOT (Department of Transportation) drug testing and non-DOT drug testing. Businesses under Department of Transportation jurisdiction must implement DOT drug tests, and all other businesses should enforce non-DOT drug tests. 

Regardless, with proper drug screening facilitation, you can effectively identify and address substance abuse and addiction issues.

Education

Moreover, you can help address addiction in the workplace through employee education. As an employer, it is your responsibility to inform your employees of the signs and dangers of substance abuse. If you do not feel properly qualified, bring in a guest speaker. Ultimately, the goal of workplace drug programs is to educate staff and minimize negative stigmas.

Ways to Help Someone Who Is Addicted

There are many different ways to help someone who is addicted. Of course, it’s important to understand that companies can only do so much. At the end of the day, people who are struggling must want to get better for themselves. In certain circumstances, professional help and rehab may be required.

That said, there is still plenty that you, as an employer, can do to help your employees. To start, you should clearly state workplace expectations and codes of conduct. Employees must know that they are not allowed to work while under the influence, which poses health risks to themselves, colleagues, and customers. Hopefully, by remaining stern on protocol, individuals will recognize the need to stay drug-free.

However, remaining stern does not mean that you must be harsh. In fact, it is the opposite. You should be strict but compassionate regarding addiction. If you see that an employee is struggling, offer support. 

For example, provide substance abuse counseling. This may help someone realize their issues and seek further professional help. If your company offers additional help, make sure it is easily accessible. Lastly, you can help your employees stay on track by documenting substance abuse and recovery milestones.

How Soteria Can Help You

At Soteria, we understand the seriousness of addiction. Therefore, we offer select services that can prevent and treat these types of circumstances. Some of the services we provide include DNA tests, drug tests, and background screenings.

This testing will help to identify drug abuse while determining any potential health risks. In the unfortunate scenario of employee addiction, we also provide wellness testing. To learn more, please call us at 202-679-6670. 

Inquiries can be emailed to info@soteriascreening.com – we look forward to hearing from you.