How Can Drug Use Affect Productivity in the Workplace?
In today’s society, one can’t survive well without a job. In fact, it’s almost not possible at all. Therefore it’s safe to say that a job is a vital means of providing for yourself and your family. That being said, why would anyone jeopardize that?

There are no shortage of studies and statistics regarding exactly how drug or alcohol abuse affects workplace productivity. In the beginning stages, tardiness, absenteeism, and lower morale is common. As the problem grows, the frequent sick days and dragging feet lead to further negative consequences or even unemployment.

Unfortunately, this is somewhat of a vicious circle. Let’s look at the situation of someone named Jack. Jack works two jobs at fifty-plus hours a week so he can put food on the table. To cope with the stress, Jack resorts to drinking and smoking pot on the weekends so he can “relax.” By the time Monday rolls around he’s in a zombie-like state from the toxins in the drugs and alcohol.

Gradually, this weekend drug-user begins to consume drugs during the week as well. There’s a drink or three before bed or a joint in the evening so he can “mellow out.” When he needs to override the drowsiness and lethargy, he resorts to using cocaine as well.

Pretty soon, Jack is asking for more hours at work to so he can afford the drugs and alcohol he’s consuming.

So what’s the remedy here? The answer is not necessarily that Jack is working too hard. Jack’s solution to his problem (stress from work) included drinking and smoking pot. This solution ultimately led to more problems in the long run.

Drug and alcohol abuse are bad choices when a person is trying to solve problems in his or her life. Contrary to popular belief, they are not THE problem itself. If the problems themselves were confronted squarely and resolved, then drug use would not be needed to help a person “relax” or “mellow out.”

The workplace can be a stressful environment and if not handled properly, can definitely throw one for a loop. The answer lies in the individual working out solutions that do not actually worsen his life. Substance abuse is nothing more than a mask for one’s feelings and upsets.

Next time you find yourself stressed at work or feeling like it’s ‘just too much,’ there are short-term steps you can take to improve your mood. For example:

Consider think about the good things that come about due to your employment.
Take a walk and notice your surroundings.
If things seem out of control and everything seems to be swirling around you, take up one thing at a time.
Let others do what it is they’re supposed to do so you don’t have to feel you need to go around doing everything yourself.
If you sit in front of a computer screen all day at work then go for a walk and observe things from a distance when you’re done for the day. You may not feel like it before you start walking, but you’ll be happy you did it in the end.
Lastly, find and do those things that really make you happy outside of work such as your favorite hobby or pastime.
It may also be necessary to consider some longer-term solutions. Would more education help you get and keep a job you would like more? Do you need to get a job with a more positive environment? It might take a few years to make bigger changes like these but it certainly would make you feel better each time you take a step forward in your plans.

For some people, these short-term solutions will come too late. Some people have already lost the ability to curtail their drug or alcohol abuse and need a helping hand. For them, a program like the Narconon drug and alcohol rehabilitation program is the answer. Here, a person can heal from the trauma and upset and learn the life skills that make his (or her) future far brighter.

If you care for someone who needs help recovering from a poor solution like drug or alcohol addiction, contact Narconon and learn about the thousands of Narconon graduates who achieved new, productive sober lives.
http://www.narcononuk.org.uk/