Behavior in the workplace must be pleasant, productive and, more importantly, up to company standards. Inappropriate actions can be signaled by a marked change in behavior, but sometimes a chronic substance abuser will have fairly even and steady behavior if they are in a regulated and unchanging environment. However, both chronic and occasional alcohol abusers must be identified and handled appropriately in the workplace.[1]
Chronic alcoholics can be fully functional in society if they have access to monotonous, reliable schedules. Unchanging situations not only decrease stress, but they provide a steady backdrop to hiding alcoholic behavior and tendencies. The key here is the unchanging part of their day. When suddenly dealing with a mixed schedule, different co-workers, change in routine or unexpected change in stress levels, they can become volatile and temperamental.
Characteristics of chronic alcoholics:
- They are uncomfortable with change and do not handle it well.
- They prefer steady, expected situations where their temperamental reactions cannot be easily detected.
- They react with volatility (raised voice, harsh complaints, physical aggression) when presented with new and varied circumstances outside of their regular duties and times.
- After reacting explosively, they tend to act as if nothing had happened and return to their normal actions.
- If attention is drawn to any explosive behavior, they act as if everyone is being unreasonable, as if they did not act abnormally, and try to make other people feel unreasonable for expressing a negative reaction.
Sporadic or occasional alcoholic behavior can be detected more easily than chronic alcoholism, because change in behavior is more dramatic and visible. Occasional alcoholic abuse occurs during stressful times of the year, namely around holidays, tax season and during any company downsizing. It can also occur during times of personal stress, i.e. divorce, problems with children, death in the family or among close friends, job change or heavy personal criticism.
Characteristics of occasional or sporadic alcohol abuse:
- Sudden mood swings, even in relatively low-stress circumstances.
- Over-compensation for unsteady or irrational behavior, apologizing profusely or loudly laughing it off and trying too hard to make light of the situation.
- Suddenly quiet behavior among extroverted employees. This can be a concentrated attempt at appearing normal and not displaying drunken characteristics.
- Overly-stressed appearance and strong procrastination when performing job duties. This can be an indicator of feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Fidgety and nervous behavior, where normally they have been confident and self-assured.
Detecting signs of alcoholism in the workplace can mean that you need to schedule your next drug and alcohol screening with Mediscreen™. This is important to make sure that employee abuse of substances does not interfere with your company goals, work schedules and priorities. Call us today on 1300 79 70 40 to discuss your drug & alcohol testing requirements.
