| Drug abuse costs business and
industry billions of dollars annually. These costs are attributed
to worker's compensation, lost productivity and health care. But
many managers are unaware of how pervasive substance abuse is in the
work force. Less than two percent of the CEO's report it as a
problem in their company. Yet statistics show that 10 to 23
percent of all workers are involved in daily drug usage. A user is
16 times more likely to be absent from work. And 47 percent of all
industrial accidents have been attributed to alcohol abuse alone.
A manager's job is to recognize the signs of possible abuse and refer
the employee to an employee assistance program or to outside treatment.
Signs of Possible Chemical Dependency
Signs of abuse include decreased job performance,
absenteeism, tardiness and unreliability. Job performance problems
can mean missed appointments, sloppy reports, failure to follow up on
work and an apathetic or hostile work attitude. A chemically
dependent employee's motivation will drop, and perhaps memory lapses or
mood swings may occur. |
Such an employee creates a
safety problem for everyone because chemical abuse affects vision,
balance, coordination and other motor skills. The employee is not
as alert, has slower reaction times, uses poor judgment and takes
unnecessary risks. This can cause accidents from the improper use
of equipment and injuries from hazardous wastes, falls or fires.
A chemically dependent employee's life is often in
upheaval because of the abuse. Marital problems, uncontrollable
children, and financial worries may add to the problems at work.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Physical indications of drinking are alcoholic breath,
bloodshot eyes, slurred or incoherent speech and irregular walking or muscle movements.
Try and observe the suspected employee in social or
business situations where alcohol is available. Watch how much is
drunk and note any personality changes. At work, be alert to
whether the employee often leaves the work area for unexplained periods
of time. |
Signs of Cocaine Abuse
Cocaine is highly addictive, is easily concealed and
gives workers the false impression that they can do their jobs better
and faster. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose.
Chronic snorting can ruin the nostril linings and cause eczema around
the nostrils.
A chronic user experiences behavioral changes, has
difficulty sleeping, is irritable and may become depressed or feel
inadequate. Injecting cocaine increases the chances of getting
infection, hepatitis or even AIDS.
Signs of Marijuana Abuse
Symptoms of marijuana use are reddened eyes,
talkativeness and a voracious appetite. Occasional users may
exhibit poor judgment, an inability to concentrate, heightened
perception, a sense of euphoria and a distorted sense of time and space.
Chronic users have low energy levels and occasionally
experience panic attacks, delusions, or hallucinations.
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