For employers, having team members struggle with addiction can be a complex issue. You want to give them the support they need without putting your other employees at risk. Employees battling with addiction can cost companies an immense amount of money. If you suspect your longtime employee’s drop in productivity is due to addiction, encourage them to receive the addiction treatment they need at Serenity Grove. Our employee assistance program (EAP) in Georgia allows employers to refer team members for help, reducing the risk to your workplace and giving your employee the opportunity to heal.
Don’t let substance use issues wreak havoc on your business. Connect with Serenity Grove at 844.904.3485 to offer hope and healing.
How Substance Use Issues Can Impact the Workplace
When a hardworking, dedicated employee seems to suddenly go through a change, you’re likely to be concerned. They might be struggling with their mental health or a personal issue that they haven’t disclosed. But in some cases, substance abuse could be at the root.
Some of the signs that an employee could be struggling with drug or alcohol addiction include:
- Appearing disheveled
- Falling asleep on the job
- Missing deadlines
- Diminished quality of work
- Erratic moods
- Making excessive trips to the restroom
- Excessive tardiness or absence
You can also keep a careful eye on your employee’s psychological symptoms. If you notice any of these behaviors, your employee may be struggling with addiction:
- Showing lack of motivation or energy
- Acting panicked and paranoid without a cause
- Frequent angry outbursts and unprompted bursts of rage
- Showing irritability or agitation toward coworkers
- Displaying unusual bursts of energy or mania
- Having unexplained or surprising mood changes
If you suspect an employee has a substance abuse problem, read on to learn more about how Serenity Grove’s EAP can help.
Employee Assistance Programs Help Firms Save Money and Reduce Risk
America’s opiate epidemic is in full swing and, unfortunately, shows no signs of improvement. If you’re reading this, chances are we don’t have to convince you that drug abuse among American adults is pervasive, but there are a few facts you need to know:
- While only 5% of the world’s total population, our population here in the U.S. consumes a full 60% of the world’s supply of illicit drugs. That doesn’t even include alcohol.
- Contrary to popular belief, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) estimates that 77% of illicit drug users are employed.
- Just in diminished quality of work and productivity, these employees cost corporations untold hundreds of millions of dollars or more per year. Former Chairman of GM, Roger Smith was quoted as saying the problem “costs G.M. 1 billion dollars a year.”
Some organizations terminate the employment of those with substance abuse issues without a second thought. They often cite poor performance and call it a day. This can seem like an efficient response. After all, it gets the employee out of the office, minimizing the danger that the employee poses to your bottom line.
However, especially with a tenured employee, it’s not always so easy. Sending an employee to a medical detox and drug rehabilitation center can save their life. Substances like opioids, cocaine, alcohol, and benzodiazepines can have deadly consequences.
A substance use disorder is a chronic health condition. With the right treatment plan, your employee will achieve sustained sobriety and be able to return to work.
What to Expect from Our Employee Assistance Program
An employee who has the opportunity for addiction treatment instead of being fired will show greater loyalty to your company. This could translate to better productivity and a boost in morale and brand loyalty after treatment.
Sending an employee to rehab is the right thing to do. Substance abuse is a psychological condition, and your employee should be given the same patience as someone battling a physical condition.
In our program, we offer personalized addiction treatment plans that incorporate a variety of therapies. Your employee will receive the same high level of care we offer to all our clients and will make the changes they need for lasting sobriety.
