We spend a lot of time with our co-workers and often develop close personal relationships with them. Knowing how to spot signs of distress, particularly substance abuse, can be very important when somebody is struggling. 

But sometimes, the symptoms can be hard to identify. Here are some potential signs of co-worker substance abuse that should not be overlooked

What is Substance Abuse? How Can You Spot Symptoms?

It might be helpful to start by answering the question, “What is substance abuse?” Not every use of a substance is necessarily abuse. Alcohol, in particular, is a widely used, socially accepted substance. However, this makes it hard to identify when consumption turns into abuse.

Substance abuse is defined as excessive or over-indulgent use of a substance, often to the point of addiction. It can create problems in an individual’s personal and professional lives and often requires professional substance abuse treatment.

So, how can you spot signs and provide help to a co-worker in need? Here are a few signs to look for.

Absenteeism

Absenteeism is when an employee has frequent unplanned and unexplained absences from work. This can often be caused by excessive drinking or drug use, which disrupts the individual’s routine or well-being. This may not always happen, but a few regular absences could be a subtle warning sign. 

For instance, regular absence or tardiness on Mondays could indicate that an employee drank or used drugs heavily over the weekend.

Inconsistent Performance or Reliability

If a normally dependable worker suddenly starts to forget tasks or perform worse, this could be a sign of abuse. It is not the only possible explanation for decreased performance at work, and it is always important not to jump to conclusions. Yet, this can often be a red flag when combined with other potential symptoms of abuse.

Excessive Stress

Many studies have shown that excessive stress and long work hours can be strong risk factors. Suppose a co-worker seems to be particularly affected by the stress of the job; that stress could drive them toward substance abuse. 

Again, this is not always the case. However, reaching out to that individual to offer support and acknowledgment can be a good idea.

Changes in Personality or Appearance

Sudden personality changes in an individual can be a strong sign that they are struggling. Individuals dealing with a substance abuse problem may become more irritable, aggressive, or paranoid. Some may become more withdrawn or anti-social when struggling with addiction.

Similarly, some co-workers may come into work looking more disheveled if they struggle. Some people may also show up to work looking pale, sick, or fatigued without explanation.

Not Recognizing Their Own Substance Addiction

One of the most obvious signs of substance abuse is also the easiest to overlook. Some individuals may have an addiction problem without recognizing it. These co-workers might frequently invite others out for drinks after work or discuss their drinking habits openly at work. Given how socially accepted drinking is, it can be difficult to know when one has crossed the line into addiction.

If you believe a co-worker has crossed that line, it may be time for them to seek help from a substance abuse counselor. Treatment can help educate individuals and allow them to recognize their own addiction.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance abuse treatment is a long process involving many different steps and processes. While trust and honesty are important, monitoring the individual’s progress during recovery is often necessary. Regular drug testing is one of the most effective ways to do that. That’s why Soteria Screening Labs provides accurate and reliable drug testing for employers. Learn more today.