Substance abuse in the South African workplace is a growing concern. It refers to the harmful use of alcohol or drugs by an employee. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) drug use in South Africa is twice the global average. The country is ranked in the top 20 of the biggest drinking nations and we are 3rd in Africa. Substance abuse has an impact on work relationships, employee health, performance and productivity and can result in an increase in injuries on duty.
Recognising substance abuse in the workplace can be difficult as there are many signs and symptoms. Managers can use below signs as warning flags for potential substance abuse and for further testing. It is best for a professional to do a proper assessment and not to jump to conclusions if one or two symptoms are present, as they could be as result of something entirely different. If signs persist for some time (a few weeks or months), a pattern develops and there are quite a few present, then seek help for a professional assessment rather than ignoring the warning signs.
Signs and symptoms:
| Slovenly, untidy appearance, deteriorating hygiene | Mood and energy swings (hyperactivity and depression) |
| Disinterest in usual activities | Change in friends or isolation |
| Withdrawal from relationships | Changes in appetite |
| Irrational behavior (out of the norm) and/or irritability | Pre-occupation with self, defensiveness and over-sensitive |
| Fluctuating energy levels | Memory lapses |
| Lying, secretiveness, dishonesty | Financial changes |
| Absenteeism (especially Mondays and Fridays) | Presenteeism and missing from their desk regularly or for long periods of time |
| Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little) | Impaired performance and/or reduced concentration |
| Smelling of alcohol in the workplace | Difficulty with eye-hand coordination |
| Effects on vision | Slow reaction time |
| Violent behaviour | Disorientation and/or unsteadiness |
| Slurred speech or incoherent conversation | Bloodshot eyes |
When is substance use a problem?
Substance abuse can have far reaching and devastating consequences if not addressed. It is estimated that substance abuse costs the economy R9 billion per annum due to reduced productivity, absenteeism and injuries on duty. The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 states that the workplace as employer has the responsibility to assist an employee when a substance abuse problem is identified, and The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 stipulates that the onus is on the employer to ensure a safe working environment where substance abuse is adequately managed to mitigate risk to employees.
A significant challenge to assessing when substance use is a problem is that employees will often strongly deny that they abuse substances. Asking direct questions thus often does not yield direct answers.
The following, known as the CAGE assessment, are useful indirect questions that might indicate that a person has a problem with substance abuse:
C “Cut Down” – Has the person ever tried to reduce the amount of the substance they take?
A “Arguments” – Has the person’s use of the substance ever resulted in arguments with colleagues, friends or family?
G “Guilt” – Does the person ever feel guilty about their substance use?
E “Eye Opener” – Does the person need a drink to get going first thing in the morning?
Keep in mind, that it is best to leave the assessment and diagnosis to a professional; that is why your EWP is there for you. You do not have to make the assessment and jumping to conclusions can be harmful.
You are encouraged to contact your EWP Managerial Consultancy service for guidance and to discuss any suspicion or management of substance abuse in the workplace on your toll-free number.
