Recognising and Supporting Alcohol Dependence in the Workplace

Employers have a duty of care to their employees, extending beyond daily tasks and productivity to include addressing signs of personal struggles, such as alcohol dependency.

While it can be a sensitive and challenging topic to broach, recognising the signs and knowing how to provide appropriate support is essential for fostering a healthy and productive workplace.

Spotting Signs of Alcohol Dependence at Work

Alcohol dependency doesn’t always manifest in obvious ways, especially in a professional setting where individuals may feel compelled to mask their struggles. However, there are several warning signs you can look out for as a manager or colleague.

Physical Signs: Bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, tremors, or poor personal hygiene may indicate issues with alcohol dependence.
Behaviour Changes: Increased irritability, mood swings, or forgetfulness could be signs to watch out for.
Absenteeism: A pattern of lateness, unexplained absences, extended lunch breaks, or regular sick days might point to underlying issues.
Work Performance: A decline in the quality of work, missed deadlines, or frequent errors could suggest someone is struggling.
Social Behaviour: A once-socially engaged team member who has become withdrawn or, conversely, is overly social at office events with alcohol could be a clue.

It’s important to note that these behaviours don’t guarantee someone has alcohol dependency but rather serve as potential indicators that something may be amiss. A compassionate and careful approach is always best.

Supporting an Employee Struggling with Alcohol Dependency

Once you’ve identified a potential issue, it’s essential to act with empathy and professionalism. Here’s how you, as an employer or manager, can support an employee facing alcohol dependency:

1. Approach with Care and Confidentiality

Invite the employee for a private conversation in a non-judgemental and supportive manner. Avoid accusations and instead focus on observations. For example, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been coming in late quite often recently, is everything all right?” This opens the door for a discussion without making the individual feel attacked.

2. Be Clear About Workplace Policies

If your organisation has policies regarding substance misuse or support pathways, ensure the employee is aware of these. Highlight that the conversation is about offering help and collaboration, not discipline.

3. Offer Resources and Direct Them to Help

Workplace Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), where offered, are a fantastic resource for employees battling personal issues. Provide them with information about counselling, mental health support, or specialist services for alcohol dependency as part of your discussion.

4. Encourage Open Dialogue and Flexibility

Reassure the employee that their workplace is a safe space and that they won’t face discrimination or judgement. If needed, offer flexible hours or approve leave to facilitate their recovery process.

How Is Alcohol Dependency Treated?

Understanding the process of recovery can help you assist your employee in making informed decisions. Recovery typically involves several stages, from detoxing to entering residential rehab if necessary.

Alcohol Detox

Detoxing is the first step towards recovery, where the body eliminates alcohol and begins the physical recovery process. However, this can be a highly challenging period for someone dependent on alcohol due to withdrawal symptoms, which may include nausea, anxiety, tremors, or in severe cases, seizures.

It’s important to emphasise that detoxing should be conducted under medical supervision to ensure safety and provide relief from severe withdrawal symptoms. For example, many individuals undertake detox at a certified medical facility or through an outpatient programme guided by health professionals.

Residential Rehab

For some, a residential rehabilitation programme may be the most effective route to recovery, particularly for individuals whose dependency is affecting their daily life significantly. Here’s what typically happens in alcohol rehab centres:

Comprehensive Assessment: On arrival, the individual undergoes an initial assessment to understand the extent of the dependency and any coexisting mental health challenges.
Structured Programmes: Customised recovery plans are devised, including counselling sessions, therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy), and group discussions.
Holistic Treatments: Many centres offer services like stress management, yoga, and mindfulness exercises to help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Aftercare Services: Successful recovery goes beyond the doors of rehab. Aftercare services often include support groups, peer mentoring, and ongoing therapy referrals to sustain long-term sobriety.

Why Your Support as a Boss Matters

Supporting an employee’s recovery doesn’t just help the individual—it also strengthens your workplace. Businesses that provide compassionate assistance foster a culture of wellbeing, leading to improved morale, loyalty, and productivity.

Remember, while alcohol dependency is a complex condition, recovery is achievable with the right support system. Observing, addressing, and supporting struggling employees lays the foundation for encouragement, healing, and progress, benefiting the individual, their colleagues, and the organisation as a whole.

If you believe one of your team members could use support, consider taking that first step to open a dialogue—you may just be the difference they need.