Addiction in the workplace The most valuable resource of any company, large or small, is its people. Without healthy, productive, capable employees, no business can remain competitive and profitable.
Chemical dependency or compulsive addictions can dramatically affect an employee's ability to contribute to your company's success. In economic terms, an addiction can lead to a drop in productivity, reduced product quality, increased absenteeism, and higher health care costs. In human terms, an addiction can lead to failed marriages, broken homes, severe emotional problems, and even death. Depending on the nature of the individual's work, public safety can be jeopardized.
Because an addiction impacts every facet of a person's life, the problem must be addressed at many different levels, including the place of employment. The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital allows employers to offer a comprehensive program of evaluation, treatment, counseling and support for employees and their families.
The IIAR was established in 1979 to help persons with chemical and/or behavioral addictions lead comfortable and productive lives without the use of mood-altering drugs or compulsive behaviors. We achieve this goal by providing a variety of medical and counseling services designed to help our patients, as well as their families and employers. Available care ranges from modern intensive medical treatment to preventive counseling.
Identifying addiction in the workplace
How much do you know about addiction in the workplace? The answers to some of these questions might surprise you.
1. The most frequently used drug in the US workplace today is:
- a) Marijuana
- b) Alcohol
- c) Cocaine
- d) Heroin
2. When a person is abusing drugs, the likelihood of him or her having an accident on the job:
- a) Increases by two times
- b) Does not increase
- c) Increases by four times
- d) Increases by ten times
3. According to law, any business in the US with a government contract of____or more must have a drug-free program in place.
- a) $1,000,000
- b) $25,000
- c) $1,000
- d) $10,000
4. Continued abuse of drugs on the job by an employee can cause:
- a) Loss of family and friends
- b) Loss of the job
- c) Endangerment of other employees
- d) Loss of personal health and possible death
- e) All of the above
5. If an individual admits his or her drug problem to a supervisor, he or she will most likely:
- a) Be fired on the spot
- b) Be referred to an Employee Assistance Program
- c) Be subject to instant arrest and incarceration
- d) Not lose his or her job
- e) b and d
6. According to the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace, what percentage of employees are in favor of their company's drug policy?
- a) 82%
- b) 50%
- c) 13%
- d) 100%
7. Drug abuse in the workplace affects everyone in what way?
- a) Added stress in the workplace
- b) Increased productivity
- c) Increased risk of injury
- d) Added job security
- e) a and c
8. If a person decides to get help through an Employee Assistance Program, his or her problem will:
- a) Be kept strictly confidential
- b) Be shared with his or her supervisor and others in management
- c) Probably lead to termination
- d) Never be solved
9. Our nation's economy loses at least___a year to drug abuse.
- a) $100,000
- b) $7,500
- c) $100 million
- d) $100 billion
Click here for the answers to this quiz on addiction in the workplace.
Six possible symptoms of addiction in the workplace:
- Change in work attendance or performance
- Alteration of personal appearance
- Mood swings or attitude changes
- Withdrawal from responsibility or associate contacts
- Unusual patterns of behavior
- Defensive attitude concerning the object of addiction
If you have reason to believe an employee is having a problem with alcohol or any drug, gambling or other compulsive behaviors, call an IIAR counselor at 1-800-522-3784.
For more information on addiction in the workplace, click on the topics below:
To comment on this site or inquire about IIAR programs and services, or to receive additional information on any of the subjects discussed in this Web site, please e-mail our Vice President of Addiction and Behavioral Sciences, Rick Zehr (eric.zehr@proctor.org) or call 1-800-522-3784.
About I.I.A.R. Addiction Information
Speakers Bureau This information is provided as a community education service about professional issues and is not a substitute for individual consultation. Advice on individual problems should be obtained through a professional. All personal and medical information provided to IIAR and its staff is held in strict confidence. This information will not be disclosed to any person or organization without the written consent of the patient or guardian. The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery has centers at the following three locations:
Proctor Hospital, 5409 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614, phone: 1-800-522-3784
BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Virginia at Franklin, Normal, IL 61761, phone: 309-888-0993
IIAR at Springfield, 3050 Montvale Drive, Springfield, IL 62704, phone: 217-726-6611E-mail comments or requests for additional information to Rick Zehr (eric.zehr@proctor.org)
You may also contact: Randee McGraw, Administrative Director
Pam Hillyard, Manager
Coleen Moore, Coordinator of Resource Development
Patricia Erickson, Nursing Coordinator
©2005 Proctor Hospital
