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Substance Abuse in the Workplace

woman struggles with substance abuse at work

Addiction is a disease that follows you everywhere, making it impossible to compartmentalize aspects of your life so that they remain unaffected by drugs or alcohol.  Substance abuse may begin recreationally in your personal life, but as the addiction grows, it seeps into every sphere of your life, including work. Workplace substance abuse affects more than just those struggling with addiction.  Employers and coworkers often suffer as a result of workplace substance abuse when employees show up to work drunk or high or don’t show up at all. Using drugs or alcohol before or during work can also lead to dangerous situations, in addition to poor performance.

Businesses that employ an individual who abuses drugs or alcohol are putting themselves, their workers, and their company at risk in several ways.  Employees who come to work drunk or high are more likely to ignore company ethics and even steal from the company. Additionally, many businesses report workplace accidents as a result of substance abuse.  Employees under the influence may improperly operate heavy machinery, putting themselves and others in danger. When businesses are forced to terminate employees due to an inability to perform their duties, or poor decision making, the company loses money in rehiring and training a replacement.

People facing addiction may greatly value their careers, but have a hard time performing to their full potential due to the consequences of substance abuse.  Even those that only drink alcohol in the evenings are likely to suffer from hangovers that can cause flu-like symptoms, making it impossible to function socially or cognitively at a normal level.  Unfortunately, high-stress jobs can often lead to substance abuse, to begin with, creating a potentially disastrous cycle. When substance abuse interferes in the workplace, it often results in job loss and financial distress.  If drug or alcohol use is causing an inability to perform tasks at work or has led to job loss, it is important to seek help as soon as possible to prevent further harm from addiction. 

At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms.  The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.  We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.