Last updated : November 11, 2024
People take pain medication for many conditions, and in most cases their use of painkillers is legitimate. However, employers need to be aware that some workers may end up abusing their prescription medication. The reasons why someone may abuse a painkiller are complex, but the addiction presents real dangers to both the employee and employer.
Employees who become addicted to painkillers may be less productive, prone to making mistakes and can cause accidents that can harm themselves and others. Knowing the signs of painkiller abuse can help employers take action before the employee can further harm themselves or the business.
1. Change in productivity: Employees who abuse painkillers are typically not as productive as they have been in the past. A common red flag is the need for a supervisor to reassign an employee’s tasks because the employee is unable to complete them on time. While there are many factors that can affect an employee’s productivity, employers should take note of these changes, comparing them with the employee’s history with the business.
2. Mistakes: When a normally conscientious employee begins making a lot of mistakes even when completing familiar tasks, painkillers may be to blame. An employee under the influence of painkillers may become forgetful and overlook instructions, skip steps and fail to follow protocol. The employee may also have difficulty learning new tasks and procedures. As with changes in productivity, employers may want to compare the employee’s current performance with his or her previous track record. A sudden uptick in mistakes may indicate that something has changed in the employee’s life, such as the use or abuse of prescription painkillers.
3. Behavioral changes: Painkiller addiction can sometimes affect an employee’s personality and interpersonal behavior. If an employee begins having conflicts with others or demonstrates other negative behaviors, substance abuse may be the culprit. Other things to look for are personality changes. Depending on the employee and his or her circumstances, you may see an extroverted person suddenly become very withdrawn or a retiring person demonstrating uncharacteristic aggression. Addicts may also become extremely defensive, particularly if they suspect that they may have a problem with their medication. While many people are open to discussions about performance issues, and may be eager to correct the situation, an addict may become extremely defensive.
4. Coming in late or not at all: An employee who is using painkillers and appropriately may oversleep or have difficulty with time management. In addition, he or she may be spending time trying to increase their access their drugs by visiting different doctors and emergency rooms in hopes of receiving medication.
5. Accidents: Painkillers can cause drowsiness and inhibit reflexes and cognition. As a result, the employee overlooks safety procedures and may become a cause of accidents and injuries. In some cases, the employee may routinely injure themselves. In others, the employee may present a danger to coworkers and others.
Addressing painkiller abuse in the workplace is challenging. Workers have a right to seek medical attention for conditions that cause them pain. In addition, they have the right to use pain medication. However, employers also have the right to protect their business. Communicating with human resource specialists and attorneys can help employers develop policies and strategies for situations in which they suspect an employee is abusing their medications.
