Signs of Addiction in the Workplace

Safe & Expert Addiction Treatment & Detox

Smarmore Offers Unrivalled Facilities and Medically Managed Detox From Drugs and Alcohol.

It can be hard to spot signs of addiction in the workplace because people with alcohol or drugs problems are often very good at concealing it. There is usually such a stigma surrounding addiction that they may be afraid to come forward in case it damages their career. They are also in denial, making excuses for their actions, and can become quite skilled at hiding the problem as it intensifies. These people are known as ‘functioning addicts’ and can successfully maintain a normal life while concealing their addiction.

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If you are concerned that your colleague has an alcohol or drug problem, there are signs you can look for:

  • Decreased level of work performance;
  • Absenteeism from work, arriving late at work or arriving late to meetings;
  • Alcohol smell on the breath, and attempts to disguise this with mints and perfume;
  • Frequent breaks during the day, extended trips to the bathroom or leaving the office premesis;
  • Covering-up: colleagues are often unknowingly guilty of covering up for a co-worker after late night-out, although they may be aware of someone’s drinking or drug-taking;
  • Signs of drug use or drug withdrawal, e.g. erratic behaviour, uncharacteristic energy or euphoria, dilated pupils, restlessness, irritability and risk taking.

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Office Cultures That Promote Addiction

Abuse of alcohol and drugs is more likely in a work environment with a toxic culture. Below are some examples of a negative office culture. 

  • A culture of peer pressure, where a blind eye is turned to drinking and drug taking or it is even actively encouraged.
  • Negative office environment where staff are belittled, intimidated or competing fiercely with one another; a culture which is characterised by high stress levels and unethical behaviour;
  • Staff dissatisfaction and high staff turnover;
  • Damaged reputation of the company as a good organisation to work for.

This is not to say that all addictions develop in a negative workplace environment. It might be that the alcohol or drug misuse was triggered due to other reasons, external to the workplace. It takes a good manager and personnel team to spot the signs of addiction and be prepared to support their employee through their recovery.

Addiction Treatment for Professionals

At Smarmore Castle Private Clinic we provide an integrated residential treatment plan for addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling and other behavioural addictions. Our specialists advise employers and company doctors on how to:

  • Handle addiction in the workplace,
  • Set up a company alcohol and drug misuse policy,
  • Prepare an internal risk assessment,
  • Provide regular training for HR managers and supervisors.

Contact us for specialised support with alcohol and drug problems in the workplace. 

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Learn more about who we are and why we are the leading private addiction rehab clinic in Ireland.
  • How to Access Rehab With Health Insurance

    For those experiencing existing mental health conditions in Ireland, there are private medical insurers who can help you cover treatment. As addiction experts, we know that receiving the appropriate care and support when you have a mental health disorder is pivotal to attaining long-lasting recovery. Below, we will go through the various health insurance options to help you understand your options when it comes to seeking private residential care for substance abuse. Please note that there is no guarantee that you can be covered for all addiction problems as policies are always assessed on a case-by-case basis. Find Out More

  • My Loved One Doesn’t Want Help, What Do I Do?

    You can’t force someone to go to rehab. At the end of the day, it needs to be their decision because they are the ones that need to be open to turning their lives around. There are ways in which you can encourage someone to enter treatment, one of these ways is via an intervention with a trained interventionist, who facilitates an honest discussion between family members and the addict. This is something Smarmore Castle can arrange – contact us today.

  • Which Drugs Does Smarmore Castle Detox From?

    We can detox people from any drugs whether they are illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, ketamine; or prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines or zopiclone, oxycodone, zolpidem, klonopin, methadone, cannabis; and legal drugs such as alcohol.

  • How Long Is the Treatment Programme?

    Our treatment programme starts at 4 weeks and is flexible in length, giving you the opportunity to extend for a longer period if you need it.

  • Do You Treat Dual Diagnosis?

    All patients are reviewed by a consultant psychiatrist in the first week and we can diagnose and provide treatment for a number of co-occurring mental health conditions.

  • Do I Need to Be Abstinent Before Admission?

    Our medically managed detoxification with 24/7 medical cover means that we can perform complete and complex detoxes at Smarmore Castle. You don’t need to be abstinent before arrival.

  • How Do I Get To Rehab Safely?

    Smarmore Castle is one hour north of Dublin international airport and we can arrange a driver to collect you and bring you straight to us for free.

    We can also arrange a ‘sober transport’ service with a trusted driver, from anywhere in Ireland or Northern Ireland, at an additional cost.

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