However, it is crucial to make a referral to the EAP in the case of an employee with a known alcohol problem. Although you are not diagnosing the problem, you are dealing with employee performance and conduct and, possibly, alcohol-related misconduct such as using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol at work. The role of the Human Resources, or Employee Relations office in dealing with cases of substance abuse is to advise management of appropriate adverse, disciplinary, or other administrative actions which may be taken. They also advise employees of their rights and the procedures in such cases. They do not obtain confidential information from the EAP nor do they independently approach the employee regarding the problem. The EAP counselor will meet with the employee, assess or diagnose the problem, and, if necessary, refer the employee to a treatment program or resource.

The drinking that was done for the purpose of getting high is now being replaced by drinking to combat the pain and misery caused by prior drinking. If the employee is willing, he or she may be sent to the health unit for observation or a possible assessment. Health unit personnel may be able to offer a medical judgment that, in their opinion, the employee is intoxicated. They may also be able to conduct a voluntary alcohol test, most likely an EBT. Unless the employee is in a job with specific medical or physical requirements, you cannot order the employee to undergo any type of medical examination, including an EBT. Examples of the types of jobs that may have specific medical requirements include police officers, certain vehicle operators, air traffic controllers, and various direct patient-care personnel.

Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal: Timeline and Signs of Danger

Hoyman said the employer’s response should also take into account the company’s overall experience with the employee, the impact of the drinking on the company and the workplace, and how others have been treated in similar circumstances. Online communities like Daybreak are a great way to have support at your fingertips. You could also follow blogs you like, and read up on Hello Sunday Morning’s blogs and social media posts, as they are created to inspire you with some great ideas to help you change your relationship with alcohol. There are a few techniques we recommend to our members who are trying and break this habit. The first one is understanding what the need for the alcohol is at the time. In this case, the drink would fill the need of wanting to switch off from ‘work/mum mode’ and relax into the evening.

Performance Problems

For someone who is experiencing a stressful day, wine after work, or beer whatever you prefer, may help you feel at ease but the feeling does not last long. It is, therefore, crucial to recognize the fine line between social drinking and its potential to harm relationships. Employers and employees must foster a work culture that promotes healthy habits and supports individuals who choose not to drink after work. The habit of unwinding with alcohol can become a coping mechanism, potentially evolving into dependence. This addiction can strain relationships as how to wean off prozac individuals may prioritize drinking over spending quality time with family or fulfilling professional commitments.

myths about using Suboxone to treat opioid addiction

However, over time, it impairs brain function and can reduce the size of the hippocampus, an area crucial for memory and learning. This brain shrinkage correlates with the amount of alcohol consumed, with even moderate drinkers at risk. Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and craving for more alcohol, can exacerbate mental health issues if alcohol is used as a coping mechanism instead of seeking professional help. “Generally, we recommend compassion and accommodations for employees who suffer from a substance use disorder to allow them to get help, but also recommend using caution with substance use in the workplace,” she said. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Given the potential for severe health outcomes, including liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma, reducing excessive alcohol intake is critical.

Appendix – The Disease of Alcoholism

According to the study, most workers spend about 2 hours drinking after work, which can extend their day to 11 hours. Alcohol is the most widely misused substance, and frequent drinking can lead to a dependence and/or an addiction. Research from 2019, conducted by researchers at the University of Stavanger in Norway, found that when employers or supervisors initiate drinking, employees feel obligated to participate.

When you find yourself surprised by how nice a change feels, you’ve found your thing—at least for now—and you can switch it up whenever you like. The pressures on you are likely to persist, and you will continue to need to decompress at night. With all of that being constant, your best bet is to take a look at the ritual—or tool—you’re using to mark that daily transition and blow off steam.

1. Stressors from your life outside of work may drive you to drink or get high, too.
2. You may find yourself pouring a drink after work because work is very stressful for many people regardless of the occupation.
3. Contact us to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment programs that can work well for your needs in recovery.
4. The costs to society in terms of lost productivity, health care costs, traffic accidents, and personal tragedies are staggering.
5. On Oct. 11, the city decided to pressurize the distribution system by pumping water directly from the reservoir and bypassing the treatment plant altogether.

This can exacerbate stress and lead to negative mood states that spill over into interactions with coworkers and loved ones, causing friction and misunderstandings. Furthermore, research has shown that alcohol use during pregnancy is extremely hazardous, leading to developmental and congenital disabilities categorized as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Finally, experts from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicate that women are more susceptible to certain alcohol-related conditions, such as heart disease and brain damage, compared to men. As for municipal water resources departments, the work is far from over. By Sarah Bence, OTR/LBence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. For those with alcohol use disorder, withdrawal is just the first (but very important) step on a long journey to recovery.