Addiction does not discriminate when it comes to who it can harm. From high-level CEOs to blue-collar workers, anyone is susceptible to falling victim to the disease of addiction. However, when it enters the workplace, it needs to be addressed before the harm spirals out of control. Recognizing the signs of drug or alcohol addiction in the workplace can help protect businesses from liability and help employees find the care they need to overcome their dependence.

The impact of substance use disorders at work has reached significant proportions, with recent data revealing that 70% of adults struggling with alcohol or illicit drug use disorders—approximately 13.6 million workers—are actively employed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Workplace deaths due to unintentional overdose from the nonmedical use of drugs have also increased by almost 500% from 2012 to 2020. These statistics underscore the workplace as a crucial setting for addressing SUDs and implementing effective interventions.

Employers are uniquely positioned to make a significant difference in addressing this crisis. They can play a vital role not only in preventing substance use disorders and drug-related deaths but also in facilitating access to treatment and supporting long-term recovery for workers. The workplace provides a structured environment where prevention programs, support systems, and intervention strategies can be effectively implemented to help mitigate the issue. Organizations that understand their role in this issue can develop comprehensive approaches that protect both their employees and their operations while creating supportive environments that promote recovery and well-being.

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How Does Addiction Affect the Workplace?

Addiction has many lasting effects on the workplace, impacting multiple areas of performance and workplace dynamics. The impact is often first noticeable through decreased productivity, increased absences, and declining work quality. Employees struggling with addiction frequently experience difficulties with concentration, decision-making, and meeting deadlines. This not only affects their performance but can also compromise workplace safety, leading to increased accidents and errors.

Organizations can also face increasing healthcare costs, higher insurance premiums, and potential legal expenses related to addiction-induced incidents or accidents. The financial burden extends to increased turnover rates, as companies must use additional resources for recruitment and training to replace employees who leave due to addiction-related issues. When addiction in the workplace sets in, coworkers often find themselves compensating for their affected colleagues by taking on additional workloads, which can lead to resentment and decreased morale. Trust and communication within teams can deteriorate, particularly when addiction leads to unreliability. Managers must also navigate the delicate balance between maintaining productivity standards and providing support for employees who return to work after drug rehab, while also ensuring fairness and consistency in their actions to all team members.

addiction in the workplace

What Causes Substance Abuse in the Workplace?

Substance abuse in the workplace often stems from the connection between professional pressures and personal factors. Work-related stress is a primary factor, particularly in high-pressure environments with demanding deadlines, long hours, and intense performance expectations. When employees face continuous pressure to meet targets or manage heavy workloads, some may turn to substances as a coping mechanism. This is especially prevalent in industries with irregular schedules or shift work, where workers might use stimulants to stay alert or depressants to regulate their sleep patterns.

Workplace culture can significantly influence substance abuse patterns. Industries with histories of substance use, such as restaurants where alcohol is readily available or healthcare settings where there’s access to prescription medications, may inadvertently create environments conducive to abuse. Additionally, workplace cultures that celebrate after-work drinking can blur the lines between acceptable social use and problematic consumption. This normalization can make it difficult for workers to recognize when their use becomes problematic.

Personal circumstances can also lead to substance abuse in the workplace. Employees dealing with mental health challenges, financial stress, or family problems may turn to drugs to cope with these issues. Certain occupations with high exposure to trauma or stress, such as first responders or healthcare workers, may be particularly vulnerable to developing substance use problems as a way to cope with their daily experiences.

Can You Get Fired for Having an Addiction?

Due to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), patients in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction are generally protected, which means employers cannot terminate someone solely for having an addiction. This protection requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees seeking treatment and prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s status as a person with an addiction.

However, it’s crucial to understand that these protections have important limitations. While the condition of addiction itself is protected, employers can still terminate employees for poor job performance, misconduct, or policy violations, even if these issues stem from addiction. Current illegal drug use is not protected under the ADA, meaning employers can terminate employees for using illegal drugs. Additionally, employees who violate workplace safety policies, engage in misconduct while under the influence, or repeatedly fail to meet job expectations can face termination regardless of their addiction status. The key distinction lies in the difference between having an addiction and engaging in behaviors that violate workplace policies or impact job performance.

how does addiction affect the workplace

Can You Dismiss an Employee for Being Drunk at Work?

Being drunk at work creates a serious safety issue and employers are well within their right to fire an employee who jeopardizes others by being drunk at work. While employers can generally dismiss an employee for being drunk at work, the process must be handled carefully by following established workplace policies. Being intoxicated at work typically involves misconduct and creates serious safety and liability risks, regardless of whether the employee has an underlying alcohol addiction.

Employers have a right and responsibility to maintain a safe workplace, and intoxication directly compromises this obligation. However, if an employee discloses that their intoxication is related to an alcohol addiction, the situation becomes more complex. While the immediate incident of intoxication can still be addressed through disciplinary action, employers should be aware of their obligations under the ADA. Best practices for handling addiction in the workplace often include providing support for coworkers post-rehab and before to protect the employer’s interests in maintaining a safe workplace and their legal obligations regarding disability accommodations.

Overcome Addiction in the Workplace with Help from WhiteSands Treatment

Addiction in the workplace is a prevalent issue for today’s businesses. As the legalization of marijuana and the prevalence of prescription medications and alcohol increases, so does the likelihood of developing an addiction for millions of people. However, professional treatment for workplace addiction is available. For severe addictions, medical detox may be necessary as the first step, followed by inpatient rehab. This intensive treatment allows workers to focus entirely on recovery in a structured environment.

WhiteSands Treatment offers all levels of addiction treatment to ensure patients can access help at every step of their recovery. Our outpatient treatment programs enable employees to maintain their work responsibilities while receiving treatment through regular counseling sessions and support groups. We help each patient address the addiction and develop sustainable strategies for managing workplace stress and maintaining recovery. Please contact WhiteSands Treatment at 877-855-3470 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs for workplace addiction today.

 

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If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.