When addiction becomes present in the workplace, everyone in the office can feel the effects.

Addiction is a disease that completely takes over one’s life and there can be so much destruction felt by many as a result. Work productivity, high turnover rates, and a decline in work performance can occur when one employee is suffering from addiction. Our team at Banyan Treatment Centers provides drug and alcohol addiction treatment and we explain the real costs associated with addiction in the workplace. We analyze the magnitude of this problem and how employers can respond to the addiction. You can help your employee or co-worker by guiding them to the proper resources for treatment before it’s too late.

How Does Addiction Affect the Workplace?

No matter the size of the company, one person addicted to drugs or alcohol can have tremendous effects on workflow and productivity levels. Tardiness and even absence with no explanation can become a huge problem when the other employees have to start picking up the slack and completing other job duties. Work performance can decline when there are sudden mood changes that disrupt the overall atmosphere of the office. Injuries and fatalities from substance abuse can have a direct impact on a company when the addicted individual is on the job. Addiction in the workplace also brings high turnover rates, as employers will need to hire and train new employees when an addicted individual cannot perform their own job duties.

How Can Employers Help?

While the costs of addiction in the workplace certainly add up, there are effective ways to handle this situation so that both your company and individual can overcome this. It’s important that you approach this individual in a non-confrontational and supportive way so they understand that you truly want the best for them, something our intervention services can assist with. Provide them with resources for drug and alcohol addiction treatment in the area and let them know that they need to focus on themselves before returning to work. If they successfully complete a program, offer them an evaluation and hope that they can return to work with their sobriety at the forefront.

If you are noticing signs that your employee may be addicted to drugs or alcohol, it’s time to get them help today. Contact our drug and alcohol treatment center to learn more at 888-280-4763.