• Healthy Workplace Series • The following article is adapted and reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks website www.workhealthlife.com Managing anEmployee with anAddictionProblem Alcohol and drug addiction cost Canadian employers $24.3 billion a year in: • absenteeism • sick leave • errors and lack of productivity • disability claims • benefit costs • insurance claims • overtime pay for other staff having to carry extra workload • accidents (workers’ compensation claims. replacing damaged equipment and litigation) And it’s not just alcohol and illegal drugs that contribute to this cost. Addiction to, and misuse of, prescription medication is a rising concern. Know the signs Often, problems with drugs or alcohol first appear as performance or attendance issues. Some of the signs may include: • increase in absences, especially on Mondays and Fridays • extended lunch breaks, long absences from the work station, consistently late arrivals to work or early departures • falling productivity, increased errors or missed deadlines • presenteeism, or difficulty with focus or concentration • change in appearance • changes in attitude and behaviour or increased irritability TheMembers’AssistanceProgram (MAP) is sponsoredbyCDSPI and provides confidential short-term counselling support, professional guidance, resources and referrals for dentists, dental office staffand immediate familymembers.MAP services are complimentary and accessible24/7/365. ContactMAPat 1.844.578.4040 or visit theirwebsiteat workhealthlife.com. MAP is operatedbyLifeWorks (formerlyMorneauShepell), the largestCanadian-basedEmployee andFamilyAssistanceprovider in the country.Available services vary by region.UseofMAPservices is completely confidential within the limits of the law. Contrary to what we may think, not all addicts live on the fringes of society. In fact, more than 75% are employed. Most hide their alcohol or drug abuse from their employers until their addiction starts to interfere with their everyday functioning – and that’s when everyone starts paying a price. 38 | 2023 | Issue 2 SupportingYour Practice
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