Drug users, as a group, use medical benefits at a rate 8 times higher than non-users. Unfortunately, once employers begin to see the dollars leaking out of their bottom line, it is often late in the development of a serious substance abuse problem. The answer to all three of these questions is yes. However, it is also important to recognize that an employee's declining job performance may be caused by factors unrelated to substance abuse. Supervisors should be trained to measure each worker's job performance and to refer employees with performance problems to the appropriate qualified professional to determine the nature of the problem.
Performance There are many ways to measure workers' performance.
These indicators can also help employers spot potential substance abuse problems early on. Other telling performance signs include increased mistakes, errors in judgment, and a sudden inability to fulfill complex assignments or meet deadlines. Increased absenteeism or tardiness, both of which have a direct impact on the performance of the troubled employee and the co-workers who have to carry the extra workload, also could indicate that a substance abuse problem exists. Extended coffee breaks Excessive time on the phone Behavior and Appearance Workers who display sudden changes in behavior on the job may be trying to hide a substance abuse problem. For example, irritability, moodiness, arguing with co-workers, or insubordination toward supervisors are not uncommon among substance abusers.