Addiction is a serious affliction that can feel impossible to overcome. It can often be difficult for individuals to recognize their addiction at first. And once they do recognize the problem, overcoming it can be immensely difficult. When a person is suffering from substance abuse, they become dependent on that substance and its effects. Breaking free from this habitual cycle requires a deliberate effort to eliminate problem behaviors.

In many cases, addiction can affect the workplace. Work can be a cause of stress, which often fuels addiction. Additionally, the workplace is one of the areas where signs may be most visible. As such, there are strategies individuals can take to break the cycle of addiction in the workplace.

What Causes Addiction in the Workplace?

There is no single, universal cause of addiction. People can become addicted to substances for a variety of different reasons. The factors which can lead to it are generally divided into three broad categories: biological, environmental, and developmental.

In terms of biology, some people may simply be more genetically predisposed to addiction. Having a family history of substance abuse could indicate that a person is at greater risk of developing an addiction.

Environmental factors include an individual’s surroundings and lifestyle. Some environmental factors that can influence a person’s drug use include stress, peer attitudes toward substance abuse, or social and economic status.

Developmental factors combine both biological and environmental factors. Being exposed to certain influences at specific points in one’s biological development can increase the risk of developing an addiction later in life.

How to Stop the Cycle of Addiction at Work

Identify Problem Behaviors and Triggers

The first step to breaking the cycle is realizing that you (or your coworker) are addicted. Acknowledging a problem is the key to initiating the healing process. But, beyond that, another crucial step is identifying the problem behaviors that drive the addicted individual to substance abuse.

High-stress workplace demands are one potential factor that could trigger a desire for stress relief. But this is not the only potential trigger. Non-work stressors can very easily factor into this at work as well.

Substitute Healthy Alternative Habits

Once problem behaviors are identified, the individual can begin to replace their unhealthy habits with healthier ones. This is a common strategy used in overcoming many types of substance abuse. For instance, smokers will often chew gum as a substitute for the habit of smoking a cigarette.

But when it comes to drug or alcohol abuse, larger behavior shifts are often needed. These substances are often abused because they offer brief, though temporary, relief from stress or unwanted feelings. Alternative habits should be able to help relieve stress while also overpowering the compulsion to abuse substances. Many people will take up practices like yoga, meditation, or exercise to help overcome their addiction.

Seek Counseling & Form a Support System

Overcoming addiction requires perseverance and a strong commitment to changing one’s habits. But sticking to that goal often requires a strong support system. Surrounding oneself with a group of friends and family who can provide support and guidance is key to overcoming addiction. Similarly, seeking counseling to help overcome addiction is helpful to many people.

Many companies today offer access to counseling and support programs as part of their employee healthcare plans. This is just one way that organizations can help combat addiction in their workplace to produce healthier work environments.

Other Ways to Combat Addiction at Work

Addiction in the workplace is a serious issue. There are many ways that companies can combat it, though. When it comes to company drug policies, having access to accurate and reliable drug screening is crucial. That is where Soteria can help. Read about our new 10 Panel Drug Test to learn more about how Soteria can benefit your organization.