Tuesday, September 6, 2016

How to Know If Your Employee Has a Heroin Addiction

Heroin addicts certainly cause their friends and families a host of negative interactions and emotions. But, the people who love and cherish and addict aren’t the only ones affected. Employers and co-workers also grapple with the erratic work of a person using heroin.



How Common Is Drug Use in the Workplace?

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 70 percent of the roughly 14.8 million users of illegal drugs in the US maintain a job. That doesn’t necessarily mean that these people are shooting up heroin in the bathroom, but it does mean that they are probably going to work while high or experiencing many of the negative physical and mental consequences of drug use while they are on the job.

General Signs of Heroin Addiction in the Workplace

If you are concerned that an employee may have a heroin addiction, keep an eye out for the following signs:
  • Unexplained absences
  • Frequent tardiness
  • Small accidents that result in minor injuries
  • Lack of concern for hygiene and overall appearance
  • Paranoia or unexpectedly intense reaction to criticism
  • Sudden unwillingness to share details of their life
  • Decreased productivity in the morning
  • General sluggishness
  • Indicators of lack of sleep




Specific Signs of Heroin Use

Or, look for the physical signs of heroin use:
  • Dry mouth
  • Flushed skin
  • Itching
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Unclear thinking
  • Difficulty expressing oneself
  • Nodding off
The nodding off is a big sign and if an employee displays this behavior, that means they are using at work. Heroin exits the system quickly, so evidence of acute intoxication definitely points to using heroin at work. 


If your employee or co-worker is showing signs of heroin use at work, that’s a big risk and you are likely dealing with a heroin addiction. Ideally, your workplace will have a detailed drug and alcohol policy top follow. If not, speak to management.

Monday, February 1, 2016