Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace
About 15% or 19.2 million workers in the U.S. are affected by alcohol abuse within the workplace. This encompasses drinking during work hours, prior to the start of the workday, and persisting throughout. The repercussions of alcohol abuse in the workplace can lead to adverse outcomes for employees, such as job loss, injuries, addiction, diminished productivity, and even fatalities.
While no one consciously desires to struggle with alcoholism in their professional setting, this issue can insidiously infiltrate one’s life due to the normalization of drinking in society and various industries. The prevalence of alcohol abuse is increasing, and even if an individual refrains from drinking at work, the likelihood of encountering someone who does is substantial.
Questions answered in this article:
Our Treatment Centers
Scottsdale Rehab
Luxury Personalized Rehab
HART Rehab
Holistic Luxury Personalized Rehab
Scottsdale Detox
Luxury Medical Detox
Signs Someone is Drunk at Work
Alcohol abuse in the workplace presents significant risks. If you have concerns about a coworker possibly being intoxicated while on duty, there are key indicators to watch for:
- Consistent smell of alcohol.
- Difficulty maintaining balance while walking.
- Bloodshot eyes or frequent daytime drowsiness.
- Regular tardiness or absences from work.
- Sudden decline in work performance.
- Excessive use of mouthwash, mints, or strong scents like cologne or perfume.
- Repeatedly showing up to work hungover.
- Attempting to hide alcohol on the premises, such as in bottles or containers.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, it provides a starting point to recognize potential signs of alcoholism impacting a coworker’s behavior in the workplace.
Can You Get Fired for Drinking at Work?
Certainly, you may face termination if you engage in drinking alcohol while on duty or if your ability to fulfill job responsibilities is compromised due to alcohol consumption. Although the ADA’s anti-discrimination regulations safeguard individuals from being discriminated against solely due to alcoholism, this protection does not extend to situations where impairment affects job performance.
Can You Be Fired for Drinking Off the Clock?
In brief, the answer is yes. You can face termination for alcohol consumption outside of work hours or for alcohol abuse. Nonetheless, the regulations governing this matter vary and are contingent upon factors such as the state of employment, contractual agreements, and the discretion of the employer.
Is Absenteeism Indicator of Substance Abuse?
Missing work often could mean someone is dealing with addiction because they’re skipping work due to being under the influence or dealing the effects of alcohol. If someone is regularly absent without a clear reason, it could signal they’re facing a deeper problem like substance abuse. However, it’s important not to jump to conclusions and to handle the situation with care, offering help and understanding. It’s crucial to look at all the factors involved and support the person’s overall health and well-being.
How to Determine if You're a High-Functioning Alcoholic?
If you think you’re a high-functioning alcoholic , admitting it might be hard because you’re still able to function in your daily life. But even if you’re getting by, it doesn’t mean you’re truly thriving, and reaching out for support can be a step toward improving your well-being. If you’re unsure whether you fit into this category, there are quizzes available to help you understand your situation better. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and take control of your life.
How Does Alcohol Abuse Affect the Workplace?
Alcohol abuse has various impacts on the workplace. It can escalate the frequency of sick leave taken by employees and impede their job performance. Additionally, there’s a heightened risk of workplace injuries, absenteeism, and a direct influence on company culture.
Are Alcoholics a Protected Class?
Indeed, individuals with alcoholism may fall under the coverage of the ADA’s anti-discrimination regulations. Alcoholism is recognized as a disability, which could necessitate employers to provide accommodations such as flexible scheduling or time off for therapy, rehabilitation, or participation in alcoholic support groups.
How to Help an Alcoholic in a Workplace?
Dealing with substance abuse at work is a worrying problem, and you might come across a coworker battling alcoholism. When you talk about this with your coworker or boss, remember that alcohol can stay in the body for up to two days, with traces in the blood for about 12 hours.
Knowing this, it’s crucial to offer support and help quickly. Giving timely assistance can really make a big difference in their health and how well they can do their job.
The most common scenarios people face when dealing with alcohol or drug addiction at work are:
- Noticing someone might be drunk at work: If you see someone acting strange because of heavy drinking alcohol while working, it’s important to tell someone in charge to keep everyone safe and help the person get support.
- Seeing someone not coming to work or being late a lot: If someone keeps missing work or is often late without a good reason, it could mean they’re having problems with alcohol. They might need help and support from others.
- Watching someone’s work getting worse: If someone’s work is not as good as it used to be, it could be because of drinking too much. It’s important to talk kindly to them and help them find support.
- Seeing someone acting strange because of alcohol: If someone’s mood changes a lot or they seem upset for no reason, it could be because of alcohol. It’s important to talk to them gently and help them find help.
Finding out someone is struggling with alcohol: If someone tells you they have a problem with alcohol, it’s important to be understanding and keep it private. You can encourage them to get help from professionals or support groups.
