Alcohol, drug and substance misuse policy: Additional information

Warning signs 

None of these signs are indicative of substance abuse but taken together as a cluster may indicate changes in the wellbeing and behaviour of a previously productive member of staff.

List of the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug/substance abuse which may indicate use of illegal substances at work:

• 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

• PAM - the University Employee Assistance Program offering face to face and telephone counselling, advice and support on a range of issues including addiction and recovery. Telephone: 0800 882 4102
• 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.

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Document control: Last reviewed on 31 July 2016.