Drug Use on the Job

Drug Free Workplace Meets Drug Use Workers

"It is estimated that 75% of all adult drug users are employed." NIDA

NIDA estimates that 75% of all adult drug users are employed in the workplace.  As are most binge and heavy alcohol users.

Today is a summer Friday.  This weekend employees may want to cut loose and go to happy hour, a beach or pool party, have a barbeque, spend time at an amusement park, go to the lake, attend a baseball game, play video games or some other recreational activity.  Many times these activities include the use of drugs and alcohol.  Friday, Saturday and even into Sunday the partying continues.  Monday morning arrives .  . . . . instead of being rested from the weekend, an exhaustion from the weekend of "celebrating" occurs.  There is a reason Mondays are manic and hated.  Going to work hungover and worn out is no fun - not to mention unproductive.

What are the signs an employee is abusing substances? 

Here are seven signs an employee may be abusing substances:

1. Changes jobs frequently.

2. Frequently late or absent from work.

3. Takes excessive sick leave particularly Mondays.

4. Inconsistent work habits with low productivity and missed deadlines.

5. Difficulty concentrating on work.

6. Frequent mistakes and errors in judgment.

7. Does not follow procedures.

All too often a manager will ignore these telltale signs of poor performance.  Coworkers may cover up or pick up the additional workload caused by a substance abusing employee or manager.  Managers may have a fear of confrontation that will not allow them to take corrective action.

Please note these seven signs could be from other issues such as family turmoil, illness or burnout.  However, whatever the reason, an employer may want to take a closer look at an employee who is showing these signs.

For more information on NIDA: www.drugabuse.gov

To find out how to get help for addiction: www.stages2change.com

Am I an Addict?

Four Questions to Ask Yourself

Over the weekend, you went to a party and again you drank more beer than you had planned.  You tell yourself "that is the last time I am smoking pot!" yet within a a week you are hanging out playing video games with friends and take a bong hit. Everywhere you go signs say "No smoking."  Having a cigarette is becoming a chore just to find a public place to light up.  You tell yourself - "I am quitting!" 

You listen to friends say, "I am a social drinker or I smoke weed for recreation only - I don't have a problem with it."  You find yourself wondering . . . do I have a problem or addiction . . . . 

. . . .there is a short "test" to find out if you are showing signs of substance abuse.  The CAGE-AID test is a standard brief test used to screen for substance abuse.  

Ask yourself these four questions?  Be as honest with yourself as possible - considering your life history. 

1. Have you ever felt you ought to cut down on your drinking or drug use?

2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?

3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?

4. Have you ever had a drink or taken drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

How did your answers come out?  

If you have answered one or more of the four questions with a "yes" there is a strong change you have a substance abuse problem.  You may want to obtain a more thorough evaluation or assessment from a substance abuse counselor.  

Learning to make healthy changes is possible.  

When you are ready to take the first step to change or if you just want to learn more about addiction and recovery . . . check out our website www.stages2change.com.  

On the website you will find the Cage-Aid Test and many free resources to help you educate yourself about specific addictions.  You will also find a place to request a free consultation through taking the first step of simply completing a brief screening form. 

Reference Note:  
The Cage-Aid Questionnaire is an adapted version of the CAGE Assessment for alcohol dependence. The CAGE-AID includes drug use and is designed to reveal potential substance abuse with only one yes answer.  The CAGE questionnaire was developed by Dr. John Ewing, University of North Carolina. CAGE is an internationally used assessment instrument for identifying problems with alcohol. 'CAGE' is an acronym formed from the italicized letters in the questionnaire (cut-annoyed-guilty-eye).

www.stages2change.com