It’s estimated that drug addiction costs the US economy around $80 billion a year.
If you own a small business, then any decrease in productivity or sales due to addiction could be very damaging.
Many businesses , but that won’t always prevent you from employing an addict.
So how can you tell if you have an addict working for you?
Not all drug and alcohol addicts appear high or drunk so it is not always easy to spot. Functional addicts are those people who have addictions but manage to hold down a job and appear “normal” most of the time.
So if you suspect you may have a functional addict working for you, check out these 5 signs to look out for.
1. Mood Swings
People who suffer from drug or alcohol problems are often prone to severe changes in mood. Even functioning addicts, who manage to hold down jobs can become suddenly irritable, morose or lethargic.
These mood swings can be caused by the substances themselves, or by withdrawal.
So if you notice one of your employees displaying changes in mood, especially in the mornings, this could be a sign of addiction.
2. Increased Absenteeism
Another thing to look out for if you suspect an employee is an addict, is if they start taking time off work.
It’s thought that workers with substance abuse problems miss 50% more work days than their colleagues.
All employees get sick from time to time, but if you notice a member of staff is starting to take more time off it could be down to addiction. Unexplained absenteeism and lateness can be a particular sign of substance abuse, as well as implausible excuses for absenteeism.
3. Changes in Friendship Groups
Your employees are a team, and within that team, there are always friendships groups.
if you notice that a certain employee has fallen out with their friends or colleagues, it may be cause for concern.
People with addiction problems can often be difficult to maintain friendships with. Functional addicts can also withdraw from social situations that feel challenging or overwhelming.
4. Unkempt Appearance
If a person is suffering from addiction issues, they sometimes start to neglect their own appearance.
As an employer you expect all of your staff to attend work looking clean and smart. So you should look out for employees who start to appear disheveled or unhygienic in any way.
Even addicts that are functioning can struggle with day-to-day tasks such as keeping on top of the laundry. They may not always be aware that their appearance has started to become unkempt.
5. Lack of Productivity
One of the main concerns for business owners about having employees who are addicts is the impact on productivity.
There are many reasons why a member of staff’s productivity may decline, and addiction is one of them. Addiction can affect a person’s concentration and attention to detail, which will often show up in their work.
However, help is at hand for people suffering addiction problems, so why not learn more here.
Spotting a Functional Addict and More Business Advice
So there are five signs you may have a functional addict working for you. An employee may not display them all, but if one or two of these seem familiar, it’s possible your employee may be a functioning addict.
If you found this helpful, why not check out some great advice on right here.
