Resources
Use these resources to help you in your proactive efforts to prevent substance misuse, recognize it if it is occurring, and identify how to properly address the concerns.
Are you proactively promoting ways to help prevent substance misuse in your workplace?
Local government employers have an obligation to ensure a safe, productive work environment and that employees are fit for duty while serving their community. Here are three things you can do to prevent substance misuse:
- Provide educational information and prevention.
- Have written policies that prohibit misuse and also give guidance on what to do when misuse occurs.
- Provide caring resources and ways to get help – align with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The AWC D&A Consortium is here to help with all three of these recommendations:
- Schedule your customized drug-free workplace training with AWC. Staff will review your policy, and will tailor employee and supervisor sessions to relate best practices with your workplace culture. Contact Melissa Wittenberg.
- Access the template policies here. These have been reviewed by the AWC D&A Consortium legal advisors at Summit Law Group; you can then insert your workplace policies as you see fit.
- AWC Trust offers EAP for purchase, if you are not already an AWC Employee Benefit Trust member.
Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse in the workplace
Alcohol remains one of the most commonly used—and misused—substances. Recognizing the signs of abuse can be difficult, as the shift from casual use to dependency is often subtle. Find out the progression of use and abuse from the early signs, to progressive symptoms, to late-stage alcoholism. Learn how to address these concerns properly.
Early signs
Abuse may begin without any obvious physical symptoms. It may appear as:
- Increased absenteeism
- Decreased attention to job duties
- Neglected appearance or hygiene
These early indicators are not unique to alcohol; they are common among other types of substance abuse as well.
Progressive symptoms
As use increases, physical withdrawal symptoms may start to appear. These symptoms can begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink and may lead to further absences or repeated excuses to leave work early. Look for complaints such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Insomnia or fatigue
Moderate abuse indicators
With continued misuse, more noticeable symptoms may emerge, such as:
- Anxiety or irritability
- Mood swings
- Hand tremors
- Red or glassy eyes
- Excessive sweating
Late-stage alcoholism
In more advanced stages, physical changes related to organ damage may be evident, including:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Facial puffiness
- A swollen abdomen, possibly indicating liver damage
Addressing concerns
Supervisors and HR professionals should address job performance issues—such as repeated absences or declining productivity—early and directly, even before a reasonable suspicion test becomes necessary. These conversations alone can prompt employees to voluntarily disclose substance abuse and seek help.
Reasonable suspicion testing
Drug or alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion should only be conducted when there are clear, observable signs of current use, including:
- Slurred speech
- Impaired balance or coordination
- Combative or erratic behavior
- Noticeable smell of alcohol on the person or their breath
Important reminder
Keep in mind that some symptoms—such as slurred speech or loss of balance—may also be signs of medical emergencies like a stroke. When in doubt, always prioritize health and safety by seeking medical evaluation first. If possible, conduct reasonable suspicion testing at or near a medical facility.