Advice for Co-Workers Detecting Workplace Substance Abuse

A Flinders University short document on drugs and alcohol is posted online for use as a business training resource. For those unfamiliar with the good work of this institution, Flinders University is where the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction is housed. This internationally recognised prestigious Centre does a lot of research in areas of societal use of alcohol and drugs, substance abuse in the workplace, and workforce development. The short document briefly defines legal and illicit drugs and lists typical work related problems occurring as a result of employee substance abuse. One of those problems is “conflict with workmates.”1

One of the most interesting and eye-opening statements on the 2-page training document says, “Research shows that contrary to popular opinion, the vast majority of alcoholics are not derelicts living on the streets. They are people holding down jobs, often responsible or senior jobs, in our workforce.” A random drug and alcohol testing program will detect substance use. However, the truth be known, co-workers usually figure it out first because they are in the best position to detect physical and emotional changes in fellow workers.

What’s Wrong With You Today?

For example, someone abusing alcohol experiences mood changes, has poor judgement, makes poor decisions, and has impaired reactions, amongst other symptoms. An employee can hide some drug and alcohol abuse symptoms for a long period of time, and it is only those working with them on a daily basis that notice the person has begun having trouble concentrating, difficulty staying awake (the person is always seems to magically be awake when the supervisor comes by), has frequent conflicts with people the person once worked well with, and so on. Eventually, the manager or supervisor will see a pattern of declining work performance. This reinforces, once again, the importance of random drug and alcohol testing because it will reveal sooner rather than later that a worker is abusing substances.

A frequent question is: How should co-workers handle situations in which they suspect or witness drug and alcohol use? Situations such as these must be handled delicately because employees should never confront co-workers. If the effects of the drugs or alcohol are noticeable, there is no way to predict how a person would react if confronted. In addition, people under severe stress can act differently than they would normally. Their aberrant behaviour may be the result of extreme stress or personal problems. Accusing someone of using drugs or alcohol will only make the situation worse.

One of the important objectives of employee training is teaching people how to respond to certain situations, whether it is an irate customer or a co-worker with a terrible hangover and having trouble managing job responsibilities. Co-workers need to have a clear path for reporting troublesome situations. In the case of problematic substance use by fellow workers, the path should lead to Human Resources, whoever works with the business to provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), or the immediate supervisor. Trained professionals know how to legally approach workers suspected of using drugs and alcohol.

Showing Concern the Right Way

Of course, it is human nature to avoid “turning in” someone to a manager. Despite all warnings, employees will try to express concern to co-workers. Training should include explaining that expressing concern and attempting to pry into someone’s private life are two entirely different acts. Workers can be a resource for addicted co-workers by discussing the EAP program or supplying helpful contact information. However, people not trained in dealing with addiction can quickly escalate a troublesome situation, if the co-workers resent any interference or suggestion of wrongdoing.2

Above all, workers should always know that they must report to supervisors any and all safety issues. Usually the supervisor can quickly figure out the root of the problem upon investigation. Conflicts with workmates can be distressing and disruptive and sometimes dangerous. Employers need a robust drug and alcohol policy and an equally robust employee training program. Substance abuse can lead to unpredictable results, so employees need to know they have a way to get help when needed – help as a drug or alcohol user, or help as a co-worker.

Every drug and alcohol program needs to be supported with reliable screening services. Mediscreen (http://mediscreen.net.au/) trained collectors provide 24/7 screenings to businesses dedicated to implementing robust drug & alcohol testing programs.

This article has been taken from http://mediscreen.net.au/articles/advice-for-co-workers-detecting-workplace-substance-abuse/