Beware if no employee problems are reported. Failure to document these types of problems makes it difficult to correct them. A review of sick or accident benefits may also help. There is a high correlation between addiction and some types of health care costs. Employers can offer confidential assistance and, if necessary, professional counseling to decrease minor personal problems that may become major health care costs, production problems and other forms of business loss.
Supervisors can also scout the workplace and talk with their employees.
In this way, they can observe obvious signs like loss of sleep, bloodshot eyes, flushed faces, and use of breath fresheners to cover the odor of alcohol or marijuana. More obvious signs are the smell of marijuana or the odor of alcohol. It is important that employers do not jump to conclusions if they suspect drug or alcohol abuse. Serious legal consequences could result. Act only on documented job impairment, not suspicion.