Additional information

List of warning signs which may indicate use of illegal substances at work

Please note that none of these is indicative of substance abuse but taken together as a cluster may indicate changes in the well-being and behaviour of a previously productive member of staff.

List of the Signs and Symptoms of alcohol and drug/substance abuse in the workplace:

Capability

• Drop in attendance at work
• Decreased motivation, inability to focus, appears lethargic or spaced out
• Difficulties in concentrating on work
• Varying and sporadic quality of work
• Increased number of mistakes and worsening of decision-making ability
• Late arrival for work or high rates of absenteeism especially on Mondays and Fridays
• Early departures from workplace and increased rates of sick leave

Conduct

• Sudden changes in behaviour, irritability, moodiness
• Borrowing money from colleagues
• Arguing with colleagues
• Angry outbursts
• Inappropriate laughter
• Inappropriate interactions with colleagues

Safety hazards

• Member of staff safety records may show that person has been involved in a higher rate of accidents than other workers
• Carelessness in handling hazardous materials or operating dangerous equipment

Sources of help

• Health Assured - the University Member of staff Assistance Program offering face to face and telephone counselling, advice and topical helpsheets on a range of issues including addiction and recovery (available by logging on to Health Assured's website). Telephone: 0800 030 5182
  
• Community alcohol and drug teams - multidisciplinary teams offering counselling, advice, detoxification and methadone prescription, referral to hospital drug clinics and a range of other services usually via GP.
• Specialist voluntary sector agencies such as Drugscope and Alcohol Concern - providing specialist information and advice, with some performing the same function as community drug teams.
• Telephone help lines - national and local help lines providing information, advice and counselling, e.g. Drinkline, Telephone: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm).
• Self-help groups - providing self-help support to individuals attempting to stop or remain abstinent from alcohol or drug abuse (such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous).
• General Practitioners - most referrals to specialist services are made via general practitioners or mainstream NHS facilities.
• Local health authorities and councils - have lists of local alcohol and drug services (eg York City Council and North Yorkshire County Council).
• Services found under 'counselling and advice' in the Yellow Pages directory.
• Counsellors and therapists - lists are available from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

---

Document control

• Last reviewed: 31 July 2016