2 Signs That Your Co-Worker Might Be Battling An Addiction

Nothing's worse than witnessing a work bestie's slow decline. Here's how to tell if it's indicative of a deeper problem.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | September 02, 2024

Most of us see our colleagues daily, giving us the impression that we know them well enough. After all, these are people we spend 40 hours a week with, give or take. Unfortunately, while you might handle high-stress situations by spending an hour at the gym or venting to a friend, some of your colleagues may be silently struggling to cope, and you would never know it.

According to a national survey published earlier this month, 60 million employees, or about 35 % of the total U.S. workforce, are impacted by substance misuse.

At work, we are expected to show up as our best selves, despite our problems. This facade means that, as a coping mechanism, substance use can often hide in plain sight, disguised by seemingly high-functioning work performances.

"The job is always the last thing that goes. A (person with an addiction) knows you need your job first and foremost to continue with your addiction," explains Dr. Steven Melemis, a physician from Toronto specializing in addiction.

Here are two signs that an employee may be struggling with substance use, according to Yusuf Sherwani, CEO and co-founder of Pelago, a virtual clinic for substance use management.

1. A Gradual Decline In Mental Health

Substance use often operates under a carefully constructed facade. For instance, that high-achieving executive who seems to have it all together might secretly rely on stimulants to cope with their demanding workload.

One way to identify if someone is struggling with substance use is by watching for signs of poor mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, substance misuse is associated with declining mental health and experiencing mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Look for sudden changes in mood, such as increased irritability or unexpected emotional outbursts. People with addictions may experience loneliness, intense sadness, fatigue and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. You may also notice signs of social withdrawal or a change in engagement during meetings and team activities.

2. Uncharacteristic Declines In Workplace Performance

As substance use escalates, employees who are typically punctual and reliable may start arriving to work late or missing deadlines.

"Clients come to us because they've noticed an overall increase in absenteeism, decreased productivity or higher rates of mental and/or physical health conditions. Common indicators to look for include changes in performance such as missed work or decline in work quality," explains Sherwani, who works with employers to address substance misuse.

"Serious safety issues can also arise, reflected in risky decisions or increased work accidents involving an individual, department or company-wide," he adds.

Employers can play a crucial role in fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being. Implementing stress management workshops and offering substance abuse treatment options can be highly effective in helping employees manage personal and professional challenges.

Here are a few important ways workplaces can create a "recovery-friendly" environment to support their employees in the fight against substance misuse:

• Encourage open dialogues around mental health. Encouraging a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges can reduce the stigma associated with substance use and mental illness. Ensure that employees know they are allowed to be vulnerable and address their struggles at work.
• Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs). EAPs provide confidential support for employees dealing with personal issues, including substance use. "Access to care is critical, and includes employee access to highly qualified clinicians—including physicians, nurses, coaches and counselors—who can provide support, anytime and anywhere," Sherwani says.
• Implement regular check-ins. Regular one-on-one meetings between employees and supervisors can provide a safe space for employees to share any struggles they might be facing, whether personal or work-related, allowing supervisors to offer appropriate support or resources before their challenges escalate.

"A recovery-ready (or recovery-friendly) workplace values the concept of recovery in creating a safe, welcoming, anti-stigma work culture. Reducing stigma involves creating an open and supportive environment where employees feel safe seeking help, confidentially and privately, without fear of judgment or repercussions," Sherwani explains.

Sherwani suggests that an excellent example of a workplace that has done this successfully—that others can strive to emulate—is GE Appliances.

"As part of its approach, the company formed a mental health task force to look at substance use disorders and mental health needs related to barriers to care. GE Appliances extensively trains its supervisors and managers to recognize and refer employees for treatment and counseling based on behavior and performance issues related to mental health," he says.

The success of a business relies on the well-being of its employees. When organizations take proactive steps to address substance misuse, they not only support individual employees but also create a healthier, more productive work environment for everyone. Such workplaces ensure that both employees and organizations can thrive together.

Your workplace can make or break your mental health. Do you feel psychologically safe at work? Take this test to find out: Psychological Safety Scale

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.