People who are dependent upon alcohol often lead productive lives. Many alcoholics have a job and work for a living. Some provide for their family members. Unfortunately, the ability to function in a seemingly normal manner can hide the serious impacts of this disease.
Alcoholism is a disease, according to the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. There are nearly 14 million Americans who suffer from this condition. While they may know that alcohol is having a negative impact on their life, they might not realize how it affects their employment.
How Might Alcoholism Affect Employment?
Alcoholism is likely to lead to absenteeism. Individuals who abuse alcohol are four to eight times more likely to miss work than people who don’t have a problem with alcohol. This problem also impacts the loved ones of the alcoholic since they may have to take off work to care for their loved ones.
There’s also an increased risk of suffering an injury at work due to being impaired while doing job duties. The risk of injury isn’t limited only to the alcoholic. Other employees who work with them might also be harmed if they have an accident.
Employers don’t have to keep a person on staff if they’re suffering from alcoholism. This isn’t a condition that’s covered under the American’s with Disabilities Act, so employers are free to terminate employees who show up to work while they’re impaired to any level.
There’s also a chance that the alcoholic will face termination over being absent too much. Performance issues, even if the individual isn’t impaired, may also lead to being let go. The employee may even have outbursts or become belligerent, which can also lead to them being fired.
One thing that employees have to remember is that even if they aren’t going to work while they’re impaired, they might still be suffering the effects of the alcohol. Trying to work with a hangover is another challenge. This is sometimes just as dangerous as working impaired. Some employees will call off from work because they have a hangover.
Going to work impaired can also put their co-workers in a precarious position. They may be forced to report someone they’re close to for being intoxicated at work. Some people won’t do this, but there isn’t any reason why an employee should ever be put in this position.
What Should an Alcoholic Do When They’re Ready to Get Sober?
It’s important for anyone who suffers from alcoholism to know that help is available. Turning to a Phoenix detox center is one of the first things you should do. This can help you to get past the difficult detox period with experienced support so you can focus on learning how to live your life sober.
Once you address the issues that led you to alcohol, you can begin the healing process. This will help you as you try to remain sober. Soon, you’ll find that you’re more productive and can move forward with living the life you deserve.
