Working in a high stress environment comes with its pros and cons. You’re more motivated to work hard and make results happen, but the risk of unhealthy habits becomes stronger when you need an outlet. Many high stress offices around the country are leading employees from the top down to not only engage in unhealthy sleep and eating habits, but abuse of drug or alcohol as well. Coupled with the sense of “banding together” for the team, coworkers and executives in the same department may find that abusing drugs together helps them feel fit in. It’s easy to turn a blind eye to the shows like “Mad Men” which display companies getting high and drinking their sorrows away on the regular, but even in 2019 many spaces are still encouraging the behavior. From the research we have done the consequences from addiction and codependency can’t be ignored. Study statistics are telling us that over 50% of people know a business executive who has abused drugs at work or during a break nearby from work. Having bosses or coworkers who enable or manipulate you into engaging in addictive substances will only make your journey more difficult. Let’s explore how workplace addiction develops and ways to avoid codependency.
Professional Yet Codependent Addicts
The professional space comes in many forms as every company has their own culture, employees, and rules. Work stress is certainly a healthy sign that we understand the weight of our projects, presentations, events, and interactions with important personnel. However, coming into an environment that spawns the need for engaging in addictive substances is risky business. Some things you may have not known about workplace addiction include:
- Workplace addiction symptoms are difference in everyone as it affects people in a variety of ways. Twenty million workers across the country reported having alcohol-related impairment at work at least once in the past year. In 2016, more than one in twenty-five Americans tested positive for illicit drugs in workplace drug screens as well. Workers are becoming at hiding their workplace addictions as they’re dealing with stress, upcoming deadlines, and possibly a tough boss. The consequences of these positive reports are dangerous, since it negatively impacts their job attendance, performance, increases the risk of job related injuries or fatalities, and sometimes leads to immediate job loss. Most companies enforce a strict zero drug tolerance policy and give employees one second chance before they are let go entirely.
- Workplace addiction is harmful for the boss, employee, customer, and the wellbeing of the company or organization overall. The chain reaction of one person encouraging another to engage in drugs or alcohol can spread like wildfire if the environment is right. What was once an innocent brand can become tainted with scandal, bad reviews, and even termination if a worker or an executive is caught red handed with an intense workplace addiction. It also decreases trust between all branches of the organization and makes rebuilding the morale of the workforce much more difficult.
- Workplace addiction makes doing the job more dangerous. Even if someone is slightly buzzed or impaired, they tend to will show weaker signs of mental and physical health over time. They may arrive to work more late over time than before, seem “out of it” or temperamental, look unprofessional, and lack awareness of current projects going on. They may also express anger if other coworkers ask about their whereabouts or why they look so exhausted from the night before. If their jobs require physical activity or concentration, being impaired can put them at risk for getting into trouble with supervisors or customers who take notice.
- Addictions can be covered up and turn into a serious problem if not addressed. Someone could be dressed well, get their work done, and cover up their inner turmoil with a cheeky smile. However, they could disappear for long breaks, look more tired or stressed than usual, tell stories that don’t add up when asked, and tell white lies about their personal that cause others to wonder about. If you know a coworker fairly well and start to notice this behavior, it’s time to tell their supervisor or send a tip to human resources to check in and make sure they’re at least doing okay. While it’s unfair to immediately assume someone has a workplace addiction, it’s better to tell a manager about their absence so awareness can be built about their health.
- Accessing an online addiction recovery resource is great for all workers who risk developing a workplace addiction. Informing workers about the symptoms of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and consequences of drug or alcohol abuse is essential so they aren’t as prone to take part. Research has shown programs addressing alcohol and other drug use in the workplace to be highly effective. It not only contributes to the health and well-being of the employee and organization overall, but it helps organizations build their morale during a time where the addiction epidemic is growing quickly. Managers can point their workers to accessing online addiction recovery resources from the comfort of their own home and even require it as onboarding training. This helps organizational awareness and managers can increase support to staff through employee assistance programs (EAP) if they choose to do so. The long term cost to prevention rate is worth the extra time taken to finish these programs.
Utilizing Online Addiction Recovery
For people who are already too busy with their nine to five jobs, utilizing online addiction recovery resources is key. The first step to treating codependent relationships with others who encourage addictive behaviors is to recognize there is a problem in the first place. Knowing that the activities they share with the rest of the office or their circle at work are unusual is important to start protecting yourself. Luckily, online resources free and user friendly for anyone who needs immediate help with their workplace addiction. Many sites now can provide tips for dealing with stress over long periods of time and avoiding the temptation to turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. It also has tools that can help users better understand the relationship between stress and different mental states that may lead a person to engage in more risky behavior. Treat your body with kindness and allow yourself to take a break from the hustle of work before you feel like too overwhelmed. Moderate your projects when needed and put your health as a priority above all responsibilities. You’ll appreciate the time spent working on yourself than on your performance report in the long run!
