Heavy alcohol consumption, and even illicit drug consumption to an extent, is normalized.
While many people consume alcohol frequently and in excessive quantities, few take the steps to question someone’s consumption habits and how they may affect their health.
According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 30,000,000 people aged 12 or older suffered from alcohol dependence in the last year.
A total of 255,000 boys and 520,000 girls aged 12 to 17 years old were also suffering from alcohol use disorder during this time. Clearly, many are exposed to addictive substances early in life.
It is estimated that almost 11,000,000 employers in the US are suffering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Not only does this lead to detrimental health effects, but it also burdens communities with antisocial behavior, relationship breakdowns, and loss of productivity in the workplace.
People often require an intervention in one form or another to help them seek the support that they desperately require, such as inpatient help or home alcohol detoxification.
It’s important that addiction management is integrated into workplace wellness conversations, not only to optimize work productivity but to save lives.
Physical and Psychological Effects of Addiction
The physical and psychological effects of addiction are not only discomforting, but they can prove to be fatal.
From mild symptoms such as headaches and nausea to withdrawal-related seizures and alcohol-related diseases, addiction has a catastrophic effect on welfare.
In the long term, addicted people become susceptible to organ dysfunctions and illnesses such as Alcohol Related Liver Disease, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease, or even Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious brain disorder also known as “wet brain.” Although not all addictions are immediately visible, the effects on productivity in the workplace are still profound.
High-Functioning Addicted People: Why It’s Difficult to Identify Addiction in the Workplace
It can sometimes be difficult to understand whether someone is suffering from addiction if you don’t witness them regularly consuming drugs or alcohol.
These people are considered to be “functioning” or “high functioning.”
A “low functioning” addicted person may show signs of their drug or alcohol consumption clearly hindering other responsibilities or objectives.
However, a “high functioning” addicted person can mask their addiction well by being active and effective in completing objectives, whether personal or occupational.
When someone is deemed to be a high-functioning addicted person and outwardly projects normalcy, it can be difficult to identify addiction.
Because of this, it’s essential that substance addiction is addressed in the workplace, regardless of whether someone is actively displaying signs or not.
The Impact of Addiction in the Workplace
Addiction has a profoundly adverse effect in the workplace. Not only does it affect the person who is suffering from addiction, but it can also have negative effects on co-workers in the workplace.
According to Harvard Health, addiction-related issues cost US-based employers an estimated $81 billion annually.
In addition to the quantifiable effects of addiction in the workplace, it can severely affect the well-being of other workers.
Here are some of the most notable impacts of addiction in the workplace:
- Toxic workplace atmosphere: Common withdrawal symptoms experienced by addicted people include, but are not limited to, erratic behaviour, irritability, hostility, and more. If someone is suffering from addiction in the workplace, they may behave poorly towards other coworkers in a hostile and uncouth manner.
- Reduced morale: As a result, many people will experience a reduction in morale. Whether they feel less comfortable sharing their ideas, asking for help, or even showing up to the office, the behavioural changes in an addicted worker can severely impact office morale.
- Decreased productivity: While the addicted person may display traits of a high-functioning person, their productivity and performance will still be compromised. Whether they are suffering from physical withdrawal symptoms like headaches and nausea, they experience compulsive thoughts of consumption, or their addiction is severely diminishing their sleep quality, addiction will ultimately hinder productivity in the workplace.
Evolving Definitions of Wellness and Culture
Sitting in the office for 8+ hours per day can lead to a range of physical and mental issues.
Whether you suffer from the physical effects of a sedentary lifestyle or your work stress is affecting your mental health, there are many things that need to be addressed to counter the effects of a detrimental office culture.
However, many companies do incorporate wellness initiatives to encourage their workers to become healthier.
From incentives such as wellness programs, gym memberships, yoga sessions, and more, many companies are making the effort to ensure that their workers are optimizing their lives.
Not only do the workers feel better as a result, but the workplace benefits from healthier and happier workers to form a more productive and cohesive environment.
However, there still needs to be an emphasis on mental health and addiction recovery.
While activities and incentives to improve physical health go a long way in life, they need to be done in addition to mental health initiatives to create a more holistic approach.
Stigma as a Barrier to Progress
It’s essential to recognize that initiatives promoting wellness and openness may not yield immediate results as intended.
Unfortunately, many people who are suffering from addiction are reluctant to disclose their condition, even within a professional setting with a licensed counselor.
People suffering from substance addiction have a long history of being stigmatised as people who lack willpower or the discipline to abstain from drugs or alcohol.
However, this is simply because many people are uneducated or ill-informed regarding the severity and complexity of addiction.
While substance addiction is becoming more widely accepted as a chronic disease of brain relapse, the stigma still remains among communities.
People are fearful of reaching out to friends or family members for help due to the social ramifications that they may face. Whether their concerns are dismissed, or they are judged, or even ostracised.
There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction in the workplace:
- Use words that reduce stigma: Words such as “addict” are harmful because they minimise that person’s identity to that of an addicted person. Additionally, words such as “clean” are deemed to be derogatory because they imply that someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol is “unclean.”
- Educate: Educate workers to understand what addiction is – a brain disease. There are many factors at play, whether it be genetic predisposition, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health issues. Understanding addiction is the first step to sympathising.
- Offer support: Suffering from addiction isn’t something that should lead to a loss of income. Encourage workers to open up about their addiction and treat their condition like any other disease.
Innovative Approaches: What Forward-Thinking Companies Are Doing
It’s important to take a holistic approach if you want to encourage someone to recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
Here’s how you can help co-workers become the best version of themselves:
- Establish Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): An Employee Assistance Program will provide the utmost support for a worker struggling with addiction. This is designed to support employees and their families with confidential, short-term counselling, professional guidance, and practical resources. Not only does it address work-related challenges, but personal challenges too.
- Mental health workshops: Incorporating mental health workshops can provide a wealth of resources and support for workers. Whether they’re suffering from substance addiction, financial stress, legal issues, or other issues, a mental health workshop will help them develop coping mechanisms in the face of adversity.
- Emphasise psychological safety: By offering an outlet to communicate, whether in the form of a 24/7 helpline, online resources, and in-person counseling, workers will realise that they’re working for a company that they trust. Emphasising psychological safety – not only with words but through action – can create a safe and non-judgemental environment where workers feel comfortable seeking help.
The Business Case for Change
Ultimately, treating addiction is a compassionate act. You want people to feel their most optimal, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
But, if you’re struggling with a worker who is suffering from substance addiction, consider offering support and guidance rather than using disciplinary action.
As a compassionate business, you’ll increase retention rates, and workers will recognise a supportive atmosphere and communicate other problems in the future.
Supporting Workers Fighting Addiction
Addiction is a monumental struggle, but it can be easier when you have the support of your workplace.
When companies treat addiction with compassion rather than judgment, they not only save lives but also build stronger, healthier, and more resilient workplaces.
Since addiction can also be a workplace issue that affects its culture, productivity, and overall well-being, there are naturally compassionate incentives – and business incentives – to support your worker.
While physical wellness initiatives are valuable, they must be paired with mental health and addiction support to create a truly holistic approach.
Reducing stigma, fostering psychological safety, and providing access to resources like Employee Assistance Programs are crucial steps forward.
