Addiction and Work: How Does It Affect You?

Anyone who has struggled with addiction, or seen a loved one struggle, understands that it impacts more than just their personal life. Every aspect of modern living is made more difficult by addiction. Work in particular suffers.

Addiction and work do not mix well. Not only does the person’s performance dip, but they may get in trouble with their employers as well. There may be legal consequences in some circumstances for being drunk or high while on the job, especially when tasks have dangerous components. Someone who operates heavy machinery at their job, for instance, will have broken the law by doing so under the influence.

To better understand the work struggles that addiction creates, let’s go into the extent of the problem, the major issues it leads to, and what we can do about it.

The Scope of Addiction in the Workplace

The stereotypical portrayal of addiction is of a person who is unemployed or has lost their job. However, the reality is that the opposite is far more common. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 70% of people with substance use disorders are employed. In other words, millions of people are going into work each day, battling to meet the demands of their jobs while facing the struggles of addiction.

Addiction takes many forms, but in the workplace specific substances are most commonly abused. They tend to be those which are more socially accepted, such as alcohol and prescription drugs, or those which may briefly boost productivity, such as stimulants.

Impact on Focus and Productivity

You’ll have heard people say that they work better while under the influence. Maybe you’ve said this yourself on occasion. However, all evidence shows that the use of substances like alcohol and opiates impairs your ability to concentrate and perform tasks effectively. It leads to reduced focus, memory lapses, and poor decision-making. It becomes difficult to complete tasks. You begin to feel fatigued more often than not, leading to low motivation.

What about substances like stimulants which seem to boost productivity? That boost is temporary. When the substance is used over and over again for this effect, it becomes more difficult to be productive without it, leading to dependence and addiction. The physical and psychological side effects have an increasingly negative impact on the quality of your work. It leads to absenteeism and self-sabotage, while it is often difficult for you to see the damage done.

The decline in productivity and work quality, as well as increased absenteeism, creates a vicious cycle: you feel stress or shame, which in turn leads to worsening substance use as a coping mechanism.

Addiction and Workplace Relationships

Addiction doesn’t just affect how you perform tasks. It can also strain your relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Substance use often leads to mood swings, irritability, or erratic behavior. You get into arguments with coworkers and may break important bridges. Poor performance due to substance use may make other members of a team resentful.

With fellow employees having noticed the changes in behavior and performance, you begin to feel isolated or judged, deepening the sense of shame that often accompanies addiction, making it harder to ask for help.

Physical and Emotional Challenges

Addiction is both a physical and mental illness. It takes a heavy toll on your body, as well as your emotional health, both of which impact your work life. You might experience chronic fatigue, headaches, or other health issues that make it difficult to meet the physical demands of your job. Emotionally, you might battle feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression, which can further erode your confidence and ability to engage meaningfully with your work.

Recognizing the Signs in Yourself

Although denial is a common symptom of addiction, it is possible to recognize the signs in yourself and take action. Some of the most common signs include:

• Struggling to meet deadlines or complete tasks.
• Frequently calling in sick or arriving late to work.
• Feeling disconnected or disinterested in your job.
• Avoiding coworkers or withdrawing from workplace interactions.
• Using substances to get through the workday or to cope with work-related stress.

By recognizing and acknowledging these signs, it is possible to ask for help and begin your recovery journey.

The Consequences of Addiction on Career Growth

Addiction causes many short-term problems at work, but its impact doesn’t stop there. It can significantly stall or even derail your career growth. Promotions and new opportunities slip away as your performance suffers, especially if people start to perceive you as unreliable. Over time, this can lead to financial stress and a diminished sense of purpose, further deepening the cycle of addiction.

This is one reason it is so important to get help sooner rather than later. It is better to acknowledge your needs now than to wait until your bridges are burnt and your employment history is checkered.

How to Seek Help When Working and Addicted

Many people avoid asking for help because they fear that admitting to their struggle will lead to consequences to their careers. However, not getting help leads to far worse consequences. Furthermore, there are rules and regulations in place to prevent discrimination based on mental illness. It is important to note that these laws will not prevent consequences for being drunk or high while at work.

Your company may also offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential counseling and resources for substance use issues. Through these programs, as well as inpatient or outpatient rehab, you can start your recovery journey. It helps to be open with a trusted supervisor or HR professional who can facilitate the accommodations or adjustments necessary.

Conclusion

Addiction has consequences for all aspects of your life. The struggles faced by people at work are particularly challenging. Productivity and performance decrease, while you may experience conflict with or isolation from your coworkers.

Asking for help is the first step towards recovery, which is necessary to get back on track at work and in your personal life. Start your recovery journey now, to avoid burnt bridges and long-term career damage.