Although you are not diagnosing the problem, you are dealing with employee performance and conduct and, possibly, alcohol-related misconduct such as using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol at work. The EAP counselor will meet with the employee, assess or diagnose the problem, and, if necessary, refer the employee to a treatment program or resource. (Please see the material in the Appendix ) With permission of the client, the EAP counselor will keep you informed as to the nature of the problem, what type of treatment may be needed, and the progress of the employee in treatment. Before releasing this information to you, or anyone else, the counselor would need a signed written release of information from the client which would state what information may be released and to whom it may be released.
Creating a Company Policy on Alcohol and Drugs
These programs are usually staffed by professional counselors and may be operated in-house with agency personnel, under a contract with other agencies or EAP providers, or a combination of the two. Short-term effects of excessive alcohol intake can include hangovers and acute stress on the body and internal organs. Long-term, this consumption pattern can lead to chronic diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, various forms of cancer, and heart diseases, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and an increased risk of stroke. Notably, The New York Times reports that even minimal alcohol consumption carries health risks, debunking the myth that small amounts may be safe or even beneficial.
steps to breaking your ‘after work drink’ habit
There are several drink counting apps to help you keep track of how much alcohol you’ve had. While there can be peer pressure to drink from your coworkers, it’s important to remember that drinking is not required. Opting to have some sparkling water or a soda can be viable alternatives. Further, your supervisor will likely appreciate a commitment to professionalism, even when with coworkers after hours. Outpatient treatment is best for mild alcohol addictions, and it allows patients to attend doctor and therapy visits while still living at home. Inpatient treatment is best for moderate to severe alcohol addictions or people who have relapsed.
By appearances, an individual may be able to drink a great deal without becoming intoxicated, having hangovers, or suffering other apparent ill-effects from alcohol. An muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine alcohol early stage alcoholic is often indistinguishable from a non-alcoholic who happens to be a fairly heavy drinker. The most prevailing theory, and now most commonly accepted, is called the Disease Model. Its basic tenets are that alcoholism is a disease with recognizable symptoms, causes, and methods of treatment. In addition, there are several stages of the disease which are often described as early, middle, and late.
Numerous studies and reports have been issued on the workplace costs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse, and they report costs that range from $33 billion to $68 billion per year. Alcohol is a major factor in injuries, both at home, at work, and on the road. Please see the Appendix – The Disease of Alcoholism for a further discussion of alcoholism.
This includes efforts to improve overall wellness and, for some, to support weight loss endeavors. Overall, the social and professional consequences of after-work drinking necessitate a balanced approach, blending awareness with supportive strategies to mitigate its risks. Furthermore, research has shown that alcohol use during pregnancy is extremely hazardous, leading to developmental and congenital disabilities categorized as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Finally, experts from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicate that women are more susceptible to certain alcohol-related conditions, such as heart disease and brain damage, compared to men. A difference in a gene that affects the way the body breaks down alcohol may make some people flush, sweat or become ill after drinking even a small amount of alcohol. A hangover is a group of unpleasant symptoms that can happen after drinking too much alcohol.
Alcoholism in the Workplace
Should a drunk employee put their colleagues or others at risk, they could also face charges. Perhaps surprisingly, over one-third (38%) of Americans believe after work drinks are a good way to bond and strengthen a team. This might have something to do with the relaxed nature of a restaurant or bar as compared to a stressful office environment.
Inpatient treatment involves living on-site at the detox or rehab facility, an approach that keeps patients in a healing environment and allows for better monitoring and treatment. The social aspect of drinking can also lead to exclusionary behaviors. As some individuals may not partake in drinking for personal or health reasons, this can create divisions within teams and affect overall workplace cohesion, as reported by the BBC.
They may notice that you take a lot of sick leave or that you’re often late to work. You might make a lot of mistakes, miss deadlines, or make excuses for not doing your job. Conflict resolution in the workplace can be broken down into steps to simplify the process. By doing so, HR and managers can ensure more effective communication and a more effective conflict resolution process.
- But for over 14 million Americans who struggle with alcohol use issues, and millions more who do not drink as a matter of personal belief or taste, these events can be stressful.
- If you’re ready to quit drinking and reclaim your life from addiction, call now, or click to chat.
- Happy hour has also become a substitute for networking and brainstorming, with a third of the American workers surveyed saying that getting drinks after work promotes team bonding.
Employees must be consulted about health and safety, and any drug and alcohol policies that are in force. Attending work with a hangover or drinking during the workday can lead to a loss of productivity that costs the UK economy more than £7 billion every year, and a loss of 167,000 working hours. One might assume that perhaps a light beer is the best way to end a long day in the office but in fact, it was found that over 1 in 10 workers say they drink shots during afterwork drinks.
Appendix – The Disease of Alcoholism
After the initial treatment program, the employee may be in follow-up counseling and treatment for an extended period of time, possibly up to a year. This will most likely consist of outpatient counseling, AA meetings, and follow-up sessions with the EAP counselor. It can be very beneficial for the EAP counselor to schedule a back-to-work conference with the employee, the supervisor, and other interested parties such as an employee relations specialist or a counselor from the treatment program. If the employee is willing, he or she may be sent to the health unit for observation or a possible assessment.