8 Signs Of Addiction In The Workplace

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, some employees feel overstressed. Chronic stress is a known contributor to drug and alcohol addiction.

Many people work from home now, and some managers may not have experience identifying potential signs of addiction among remote employees.

Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely intervention and support for the people affected, as well as maintaining a healthy and productive workplace.

Is Substance Use Disorder In The Workplace A Serious Problem?

The prevalence of drug and alcohol addiction in the workplace is a serious and pervasive issue that can have significant consequences for both employees and employers.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), almost 9% percent of working adults have a substance use disorder (SUD). Industries with high rates of addiction include construction and food service.

A 2025 CDC study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that substance use disorders led to nearly $93 billion in lost productivity in the U.S. in 2023. That’s roughly $3,700 per adult with a substance use disorder, and it’s driven by absenteeism, reduced job performance, and inability to work.

Employee substance use disorder accounts for people missing two more weeks of work than their peers and can lead to errors in performance, affecting the company’s success.

Commonly misused drugs among workers include both legal and illicit drugs, such as:

• marijuana
• alcohol
• opioids (fentanyl, codeine, etc.)
• opiates (heroin)
• stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine)
• prescription drugs
• benzodiazepines

8 Warning Signs That An Employee Is Experiencing Addiction

It’s not always easy to identify when a fellow worker, employee, or business partner is experiencing an addiction, because substance use disorder affects everyone differently.

However, there are some common signs of addiction in the workplace.

Unexplained Changes In Behavior

Unexplained changes in behavior, such as erratic job performance or suddenly taking extended breaks, can indicate drug addiction in the workplace.

These shifts may result from the effects of substance use disorder on cognitive and emotional functions, impacting an employee’s ability to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

Decline In Job Performance

A decline in job performance, marked by decreased productivity, missed deadlines, and increased errors, is another common sign of drug addiction in the workplace.

Substance use disorder can affect an employee’s ability to focus and make decisions, leading to a noticeable drop in their quality of work.

Frequent Absences Or Tardiness

Frequent absences or tardiness in the workplace can be indicators of addiction when accompanied by changes in behavior, appearance, and performance.

Erratic attendance might result from seeking drugs, taking drugs, or recovering from their effects, or it could be due to the employee’s lack of awareness of the time due to the effects of drugs and alcohol.

Mood Swings And Irritability

Mood swings and irritability in the workplace can be linked to drug addiction because substances have a significant effect on the neurological makeup of the brain.

Substance use disorder can disrupt brain chemistry, leading to emotional instability. Coworkers may notice sudden shifts in demeanor, affecting teamwork and communication.

Neglected Professional Appearance

Someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be more concerned about procuring these substances than keeping a clean and professional appearance.

This can lead to apathy, impacting personal grooming and clothing choices. Sudden weight loss or weight gain can also indicate issues with substance use disorder.

Isolation From Colleagues

Employees facing substance use disorder issues might withdraw from colleagues due to shame or to conceal their behavior.

Isolation may stem from fear of judgment or a desire to maintain the addiction’s secrecy, which can hinder teamwork, communication, and overall morale.

Loss Of Interest In Work

Substance use disorder can also dampen motivation and focus, leading to disengagement from work tasks and projects.

An employee experiencing addiction may also skip out on team-building activities and work outings in favor of engaging in substance use.

Engaging In Risky Behaviors At Work

Engaging in risky behaviors at work, like disregarding safety protocols, can be tied to drug or alcohol addiction.

Impaired judgment due to substance use may lead to recklessness, endangering oneself and others.

What To Watch For In Remote Workers

Spotting these signs can be more challenging in remote or hybrid work environments, where managers have less visibility into day-to-day behavior.

Warning signs to watch for in remote employees include:

• a pattern of missing video calls or turning the camera off
• delayed or inconsistent responses during work hours
• a noticeable decline in the quality of written communication
• increased errors in work that previously met a high standard

If you manage remote employees, regular one-on-one check-ins create a low-pressure opportunity to gauge how someone is doing beyond their output.

Risk Factors For Addiction Among Employees

There’s no one reason why some workers may experience drug misuse or alcohol addiction, while others do not.

Factors that may lead to drug or alcohol use include:

• work-related stress
• personal issues
• mental health challenges
• accessibility to legal and illegal drugs
• social environments
• genetics
• work culture
• job dissatisfaction
• lack of support systems

The opioid crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other far-reaching challenges can also add to feelings of stress, which may heighten the chances of drug addiction.

Supporting Employees’ Mental Health

There are several ways that employers can help support employees’ mental health in an effort to prevent substance use disorder.

Supporting mental health in the workplace also means providing access to treatment resources when addiction does occur.

The following can support mental health in the workplace:

• provide education about addiction’s impact
• establish clear substance use disorder policies
• implement drug testing
• offer counseling services and resources
• encourage open conversations without stigma
• organize workshops on stress management
• develop a return-to-work plan post-rehab
• offer flexible work arrangements if possible
• involve employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• promote a healthy work-life balance
• foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment

Employees with milder addictions may be able to receive care via outpatient programs, where therapy sessions and other treatment options are provided at night or on the weekend.

Allowing employees their jobs back after completing long-term addiction treatment, such as inpatient programs or residential rehab, can encourage employees to seek help when needed.

Employers should also be aware that employees in recovery from a substance use disorder may be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees who voluntarily seek treatment before being subject to disciplinary action are generally entitled to reasonable accommodations.

Consulting with HR or legal counsel before taking action against an employee suspected of substance use is always advisable.

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment Today

Find individualized treatment options for drug or alcohol addiction today by visiting AddictionResource.net.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff