Last updated : December 16, 2024
USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio specializes in keeping workplaces safe and drug-free through our drug testing and alcohol testing services, as well as workplace safety training programs. In our “Drug Free Workplace Compliant Supervisor Training” program, we teach supervisors how to identify the signs and symptoms of employees under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. It is important for supervisors to be able to identify if their employee may be under the influence of marijuana, opioids, stimulants, or alcohol, so we will outline common signs and symptoms to look for in this post.
Do you know the signs & symptoms of an employee under the influence of marijuana?
If an employee is under the influence of marijuana, these are the signs & symptoms to look for:
- Red, blurry, bloodshot eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Cognitive impairment: poor memory, difficulty focusing, impaired learning
- Poor coordination
- Slow reaction time & reflexes
- Odor of marijuana
- Constant, mucus-filled cough
- Hunger
- Anxiety, paranoia, or fear
Do you know the signs & symptoms of an employee under the influence of opioids or other depressants?
If an employee is under the influence of opioids, including prescriptions & heroin, or other depressants, these are the signs & symptoms to look for:
- Flushing of the face & neck
- Constricted pupils
- Sudden attention changes from alert to drowsy, then confusion
- Nodding off/asleep on job
- Mental dullness
- Impaired judgment
- Inability to concentrate
- General lethargy & apathy
- Slurred speech
- Frequent scratching
- Cold clammy or gooseflesh skin
Do you know the signs & symptoms of an employee under the influence of stimulants/uppers?
If an employee is under the influence of stimulants/uppers, including cocaine, amphetamines, meth, & PCP, these are the signs & symptoms to look for:
- Extremely talkative
- Increased energy, not sleepy
- Erratic, bizarre, compulsive behavior
- Violent mood swings & violence
- Reckless & risky behaviors
- Unable to exert good judgment
- Muscle twitches
- Decreased appetite leading to malnutrition
- Dilated pupils
- Paranoia, psychosis, hallucinations, break from reality
Do you know the signs & symptoms of an employee under the influence of alcohol?
If an employee is under the influence of alcohol, these are the signs & symptoms to look for:
- Odor of alcohol on breath or clothes
- Disheveled appearance
- Unsteady, stumbling, staggering gait
- Loss of coordination & motor skills
- Slurred speech
- Uninhibited/boisterous/loud
- Emotional
- Eyes: bloodshot, glazed over, dilated pupils
- Flushing of the skin
- Difficulty following a conversation
- Communication issues: non-sensical
Conclusion
While there are many signs & symptoms for employees being under the influence of marijuana, opioids, stimulants, or alcohol, if an employee exhibits just one of these signs/symptoms, that doesn’t automatically mean the employee has a drinking or drug problem. Symptoms of abuse often come in groups of two or more. In USA Mobile Drug Testing’s supervisor training program, we dive deeper into the criteria to test for reasonable suspicion. The checklist below outlines what supervisors should look for, and our training explains what drug(s) match the signs. If you want to learn more about how USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio can help make your workplace safe and drug-free, please contact us here.
