Jacksonville, FL & northern Florida Counseling Services
Substance abuse in the workplace is a rampant problem throughout America. Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, cites research that 10.2% of individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol have used them in the workplace.
Recognizing signs of a substance abusing co-worker and approaching a substance-abusing employee is a delicate task. Our Jacksonville therapists can help guide you in this process. Please contact our therapists at our Substance Abuse Rehab – Jacksonville, Florida center today.
Signs of a Substance Abusing Employee
If you are a manager and one of your employees exhibits common signs of substance abuse, they may be conducting substance abuse in the workplace or during off-work hours:
- Frequent, unexplained tardiness and/or absence
- Taking extensive breaks during the day
- Being involved in a workplace accident
- Poor productivity level when compared to other employees
- Filing for worker’s compensation
- Drastic mood changes
- Physical changes, such as weight loss or gain
Affects of Substance Abuse While Working
A substance-abusing employee is tardier, less productive, and more frequently absent than a clean employee. For small businesses that are without the knowledge and/or resources to address and get help for substance abusing employees, great financial loss may occur.
Studies have found that substance abuse during work hours results in serious injuries to both the abusing employee and his co-workers. Anywhere from 10-20% of workplace accidents are related to substance abuse. If a small business is unaware of the common signs of substance abuse, they may end up paying massive amounts of worker’s compensation payments when an employee influenced by drugs or alcohol caused the accident.
Jobs Where Substance Abuse May Occur
Substance abuse in the workplace may occur on any job. However, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified some industries as more prone to substance abuse than others:
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Wholesale
- Construction
Not only are the above industries more likely to have substance abuse occurring, but they have a higher risk for drug and alcohol related, on-the-job injuries.
Addressing Workplace Substance Abuse
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the best solution for drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace is through prevention and substance abuse treatment programs. A study in Ohio regarding substance abuse treatment and job performance proves the economic benefit of treatment and prevention programs:
- 91 percent decrease in absenteeism
- 93 percent decrease in mistakes made while working
- 97 percent less on-the-job injuries
- 88 percent decrease in conflicts with supervisors
If you suspect a co-worker of abusing drugs in the workplace, or you are a small business owner in Jacksonville, FL and would like to learn more about substance abuse in the workplace, please contact Breakthroughs center for Alcohol & Drug Rehab – Jacksonville, Florida.