4 Signs That A Coworker Is A Drug Addict

There are no strict boundaries for drug addiction: it can be found anywhere, and with anyone. Sometimes, instead of a family member or close friend, addiction may take hold of a coworker. Surprisingly, data gathered by the NIDA states that almost 70% of all adult users of illegal drugs are employed either full or part time.

Recognizing the signs of addiction in the workplace can help the person with the addiction and help keep everyone safe.

1. Frequently Taking Breaks

Having an addiction is a full time, highly demanding condition where the person has no control over their own actions and decisions. When an urge or craving kicks in, the person with the addiction will have no choice but to give in to it.

There isn’t a moment where addiction pauses, so when the cravings occur in the workplace, the person may have to take break in order to feed it. Breaks for drug addiction can be frequent, and may take much longer than expected. The person also may not have an explanation as to why they need the break in the first place or it might be vague.

2. Poor Personal Hygiene

Drug addicts often experience frequent mood swings.

According to the NIDA, addiction is an all-consuming condition. The person’s focus shifts from things in their life that were important to them before the addiction set in, to the drug or substance they are addicted to. Often, they stop paying any attention to their personal care.

It can be gradual, beginning with little details like hair and shirt buttons but worsening over time to dirty clothing, not bathing, and possibly letting important health issues get pushed aside.

Depending on the drug they are addicted to, a strange or unusual smell might develop, getting stronger over time. Some drugs, like marijuana, leave a noticeable scent after use; the more a person uses, and the less they pay attention to their personal hygiene, the stronger the scent will be.

3. Mood Swings

In most cases of substance abuse, mood swings are fairly common. Drugs can have a varying effect on people, the DEA states, both mentally and physically. Regardless of the type of drug the person is using, it is actively altering the chemical balances in their brain.

With frequent drug use, those chemicals are often out of whack and will often result in sudden and rapid mood swings. They can present themselves as minor, which might not be easily noticeable, or they might go from one extreme to another. There may be occasions where their mood or behavior linked to their mood is inappropriate to a situation.

4. Abnormal Pupils & Nosebleeds

Addiction puts excessive strain on the body, which can easily manifest in the person’s eyes. Signs of drug usage can be seen as bloodshot eyes or even changes in pupil size. The chemical effects of drugs can trigger odd responses on the body, and pupil dilation happens to be one of them.

Another physical manifestation of drug use on the body is nosebleeds. Some drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamines, can be snorted, damaging the tissues inside the nasal passages. With repeated snorting, the damage isn’t given the chance to heal, and will frequently bleed.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please know that help is available. Consider contacting one of our caring specialists through our website or by phone at 800-781-0748 (Who Answers?) to find our more information about what options are available for you.

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