Do you doubt your employee is going through a drug addiction?
- Are they acting strange?
- Are they consuming too much alcohol at office parties?
Or,
- Do you see them going to the bathroom from time to time, and suddenly they are extremely energetic or euphoric?
Almost in a way that is not normally possible!
These could be the subtle signs of a drug or alcohol addiction, and they might need your help.
The prospect of helping someone going through an addiction could be overwhelming for you.
- You are new to the whole idea of addiction.
- You do not want to make it worse with your meddling.
- You are not sure whether you will be able to help them out.
The truth is, you can! Go to the Infinite Recovery official website and get the addiction recovery program that will help them.
In addition to various programs, you can try other solutions too, such as treatment through diet, using foods that curb alcohol cravings, or through psychology, meditation and yoga, art and music.
If you genuinely want to help your employee recover from the clutches of a painful addiction, then these are things that you can do.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Want to Help Them?
Ensure that you have a genuine reason to help, do not try to help them if you do not have the patience.
Your employee, or if it is a friend, might get dependent on your help, and you cannot suddenly withdraw whenever you feel like it.
At the same time, you can never belittle them or lose your own temper. Remember, you have to understand their side and become extremely patient.
How To Tell They Have An Addition?
Suppose you are not sure that your employee is suffering from addiction, and you are afraid that you might be speculating too much. Then here are some of the tell-tale signs that they have absolutely fallen into the clutches of addiction.
1. Borderline Hostile Behavior
No matter how temperamental we are, we know that a certain professional decorum has to be maintained in the job space.
Has that employee completely forgotten about this notion?
Sometimes you don’t even know when they will suddenly have an erratic fit and start behaving borderline hostile towards everyone else; then, there is a problem.
2. Excessive Absentmindedness
Do you feel like they are losing cues in a conversation more than often?
Are they zoning out frequently and facing difficulties in keeping up? Then this could be a sign of addiction matched with the other signs.
3. Job Performance Declining Heavily
Were they starting employees? Or they could just be an average employee, but you can understand when their performance is completely declining.
How many leaves have they taken in the last month, or how many deadlines have they missed?
Is it excessive?
4. Slurred Speech & Red Eyes
Whenever they are communicating, carefully notice them.
Are their eyes wandering too much? Are they bloodshot red at all times?
Are their speeches getting too slurred, and even they cannot figure out what they are saying? Are they asking you or someone else to conduct their presentation all the time?
Noe, when seen individually, there could be several reasons for this behavior. However, if all of them match together, there might be a problem.
Seven Ways You Can Help Your Employee Fight Addiction
These are some proven ways to help your employee, or at least recommend them to the right recovery or detoxification center.
1. Approach The Question In Secrecy
When someone is suffering from addiction, their biggest fear is a revelation. Thus, when you are approaching them for the first time, ensure that there is absolute secrecy.
Remind them repeatedly that you haven’t told anyone. They need to understand that you are here to help and not follow some gossip or rumor.
Make yourself clear from the very beginning, and do not accuse them of doing something wrong. This only scares them, and they won’t open up anymore.
2. Try To Show Then There Is A Problem
Try to show them why there is a problem.
Talk to them about the drastic consequences that this addiction can bring to their lives. What are the physical and mental problems they will endure?
No, your work is not to scare them but help them understand.
3. Call For An Intervention
If they still fail to understand, or worse, they seem in denial, then an intervention is required.
Now intervention can be tricky.
So, you would want to ensure that it is only with close friends and family. These people should mirror your patience and not lose their calm because the patient can still be in denial.
4. Allow Them To Talk
Allow the patience to talk as well.
It is not just one way where you keep on explaining. They should also have a chance to talk.
Yes, let them justify it, and then your job is to make them understand why they are wrong. Again, two-way communication is the key.
5. Book Them A Therapy
If they are still reluctant about talking, it is ok.
They can either be scared or uncomfortable. This is why you introduce the idea of therapy for their mental health first. First, do thorough research on how therapy can help and then motivate them to talk to professional help.
6. Explain To Your Boss
Are they scared of losing their job?
Talk to your boss and try to explain to them. If the employee plans on going for inpatient recovery, then divide the work among other employees.
Yes, it won’t be easy but try to make them understand why it is necessary. Plus, when they return, try to create a healthy environment for their post-recovery.
7. Reduce The Stigma
Try to reduce the stigma around the workplace.
Try to arrange classes and webinars that explain the bad side of drug and alcohol addiction and how to accept someone who is recovering from them.
The fewer people judge, the easier it will get for the patient.
Remind Them There Is Help!
Don’t forget to remind them that there is always help present whenever they ask for it!
If people fail to understand why you are helping them, do not put much thought into it. Once you put out your helping hand, sensible ones will follow.