There can be many challenges faced when you’re in a position of management over other peers and when it comes to colleagues who are misusing drugs or potentially have an addiction, it can be hard to know where to begin.
The same goes for any colleagues who are aware of certain individuals who may be taking drugs, misusing them in a way that’s dangerous not just to themselves but to others around them. As a company, not only does it create a less than safe space for employees but it could also backfire and cause problems for the company from those outside looking in. Supporting colleagues with our struggle with cocaine addiction can be a difficult task but one if handled professionally, can lead to an outcome that will hopefully help that individual in question.
What is the difference between addiction and substance misuse? There are clear definitions between addiction and substance abuse. Let’s talk about the latter first. Substance abuse is when the individual is taking any legal or illegal drugs inappropriately. The misuse of substances could change the mood of the individual, blocking out physical and emotional pain where required. Substance misuse is often a one-off or happens every so often over a long period of time.
Addiction means the individual no longer has self-control overtaking, using, or doing drugs. From drinking alcohol to taking cocaine, an addiction is often all-consuming, and not only the person in many ways but everyone around them; family, friends, and work colleagues alike.
Those who have an addiction may suffer intensely when trying to withdraw from the drugs for a period of time. It’s a form of disease or disorder according to medical associations, in which 107,000 died from drug overdoses in 2021 alone in the USA.
The signs to look out for when spotting a cocaine addiction
A cocaine addiction is something that can show signs within an individual from early on in the reliance on the drug itself. When managing or working with a work colleague that you suspect is taking cocaine and is addicted to the substance, there are signs to look out for.
Understanding the signs of drug addiction can be helpful in ensuring the safety and well-being of your team are prioritized.
- Not showing up for work
- Turning up to meetings late
- A dramatic shift in mood
- Theft
- Taking a bag or coat to the bathroom
- Overconfidence
- Accidents or near-accidents in the workplace
While some of these can be connected to other problems in the workplace such as stress or depression, it’s worth looking out for these signs if you have a feeling that a colleague has become addicted to cocaine..
How to help and support your colleagues with an addiction
If you’ve noticed that a colleague is in need of help and support with an addiction then there are professional steps you can take to help.
Discuss a strategic intervention
Before you can even touch upon the subject of drug rehab, you want to discuss with peers, a well-thought-out, strategic intervention. This might include yourself and a number of colleagues or human resources might need to get involved to ensure everything is above board and handled carefully.
The last thing you want is to handle it incorrectly and find yourself in hot water legally with a disgruntled employee.
Choose your words carefully
It’s important that you choose your words carefully when speaking to the colleague in question. You don’t want to scare away your colleague from getting the help, nor do you want to shame or embarrass them.
You should think about how you want to word your approach when speaking to the colleague in question. Ultimately, you want to stress the importance of wanting to help them.
Put them in touch with the relevant professional resources
There’s a lot of support out there, including Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center. From the initial call to discharging the client, putting your colleague in touch with us can be the first step to hopefully a journey of recovery.
Get in touch with Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center in Virginia
At Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center in Virginia, our experts treat addiction with compassionate care, as well as an evidence-based approach. Our services are tailored to work with every individual, no matter how complex their addiction might be. The personalization of these plans provides the clients with hopefully more success in kicking the addiction that’s all-consuming. Get in touch today to see how Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center could help a work colleague that you’re concerned about right now.