People are the core of a company. Without healthy, productive, capable employees a business cannot succeed. Chemical dependency can dramatically affect an employee’s ability to contribute to the success of a business. Substance abuse in the workplace creates problems such as increased absenteeism, on-the-job accidents, errors in judgment, legal expenses, medical insurance claims, illness rates, and decreased productivity and employee morale. Depending on the nature of the individual’s work, public safety can be jeopardized.

Because an addiction impacts every facet of a person’s life, the problem must be addressed at many different levels, including the place of employment. The benefits of addressing addiction and getting treatment for employees who need it are widespread. Improved job performance, motivation, morale, and increased overall customer satisfaction are just some of the results.

Symptoms of addiction in the workplace:

1. Change in work attendance or performance
2. Alteration of personal appearance
3. Mood swings or attitude changes
4. Withdrawal from responsibility or associate contacts
5. Unusual patterns of behavior
6. Defensive attitude concerning the object of addiction

If you have reason to believe an employee is having a problem with any drug, gambling or other compulsive behaviors, call a counselor.