Handling addiction in the workplace is a sensitive topic that can be difficult to broach with an employee. Unfortunately, an especially harsh or confrontational approach may lead to the employee spiraling or exacerbating existing problems. Yet, no confrontation or conversation can lead to the problem going unaddressed and untreated. So, here’s a guide on how to handle addiction appropriately in the workplace.

Addressing Drug Addiction in the Workplace: 7 Tips

Talking about drug addiction in the workplace can be a very sensitive topic to bring up. Many drug users will not believe or admit they even have a problem if confronted about it. However, if you follow a few simple tips, the conversation has a much better chance of going smoothly. 

1. Act Sooner Than Later

Putting the issue off can lead to more problems for the employee and the company. Thus, having the conversation earlier will demonstrate that you noticed a problem and care about their recovery.

Take immediate action, however, if you see an employee putting themselves or others in danger. This includes operating heavy machinery, caring for patients, or having access to weaponry. Security or law enforcement may need to be contacted if the employee is aggressive or otherwise a potential threat.

2. Maintain a Paper Trail

Document your concerns, including the time, date, and performance issue. This will show exactly when problems were observed and help maintain the timeline from an HR perspective.

3. Meet Privately

Meet with the employee privately to discuss these concerns. Focus primarily on the job performance issues, and advise them on specific actions that will be taken if there’s no improvement.

If the option is available, refer employees to the company’s EAP. You can explain what your company’s EAP services entail and encourage them to meet with a counselor.

4. Expect Denial

Denial is the first stage in the Kübler-Ross model of grief (followed by anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). When confronting an employee about their addiction problem, they likely will make excuses and deny it. If they refuse to contact the EAP, keep carefully documenting the issue and taking the necessary next steps.

5. Keep it Professional

You all may feel like friends or family in the workplace—but don’t approach this employee like one. Keep the focus on how the substance use is affecting the person’s job performance.

6. Be a Supervisor, Not a Doctor

A diagnosis of a substance use disorder can only be made by a licensed and trained treatment professional. Your focus as a supervisor should be on how this observed behavior has impacted the workplace. Leave formal diagnoses to the professionals.

7. Be Realistic About the Consequences

If you minimize the consequences of the employee’s behavior, you’re effectively enabling their ongoing addiction. Make sure they have a clear realistic sense of what consequences a continuing drug problem will lead to.

Signs of Drug Addiction in the Workplace

Once you spot the signs, it’s fairly straightforward to have a conversation about workplace drug addiction. But what kinds of signs of drug addiction in the workplace should you be on the lookout for?

Physical Signs

These may be some of the most obvious ones to notice. They can include smelling of drugs or alcohol, glassy or bloodshot eyes, small or enlarged pupils, and appearing tired. These can be signs the employee is either using on-site or going to work still under the drugs’ effects.

Psychological Signs

Drug use at work may be symptomatic of underlying psychological issues that are going unaddressed. They may be feeling more anxious or depressed than usual, sad or lonely, disoriented, paranoid, or otherwise agitated or moody. They may even be having mood swings from one extreme to the other.

Behavioral Signs

Employees abusing substances at work may display some concerning behavior that raises red flags. Disappearing for long periods, keeping unusual hours, excessive lateness, poor performance, and workplace conflicts can all be potential red flags.

Soteria: Helping Handle Addiction in the Workplace Since 2001

Soteria is here to help your workplace more appropriately handle addiction. You can read more about it in “Addiction in the Workplace an Employer’s Guide.” Luckily, that’s just the beginning of the drug screening resources Soteria has to offer. Contact us today for more information or to get started!