Working in a high-pressure job has its perks, although such positions come with higher performance expectations. The pressure to keep up with colleagues meet deadlines, and stretch goals can be very stressful. Most workers have resulted in using stimulants to help boost their performance. The worst part about stimulant abuse is that you may never realize that you are dependent on them until it is too late.
Stimulant drugs may sound like a good idea, especially since they make you more active and help you cope with their day to day responsibilities. However, the drugs have severe side effects though this is dependent on how frequently a person takes them, and for the period they are used. The effects may take some time before they kick in, but when they do, they hit hard. With long-term use, you may experience mental problems, anxiety, and inability to manage your work commitments. Some of the stimulant drugs include Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, Desoxyn, and Ephedrine.
Dealing With Workplace Stimulant Abuse
Addressing Stimulant abuse is essential and should be a priority for employers. If you are an employer running a high-pressure business, you should come up with a plan to help you prevent and handle stimulant abuse, as this will directly affect your business. It is easier to prevent this from happening than it is to deal with the outcomes. Some of the measures an employer can take include;
• Ensure employees go through counseling to help them cope with work pressures
• Ensure the employees undergo counseling with regards to stimulant abuse
• Provide job protection for employees who seek treatment
• Ensure other employees are protected from a worker whose drug addiction and abuse are negatively affecting other employees.
Stimulant drugs work by producing dopamine, which is the pleasure-inducing chemical in the brain. When used for long, the brain is unable to produce normal amounts of dopamine. The brain becomes dependent on the drug to receive dopamine. This means that you have to continue using the drug to function normally, failure to which, you start experiencing withdrawal symptoms. An addiction to these drugs causes you to ignore any adverse consequences, whether health-related or personal.
Stimulant Abuse Warning signs
The only way to determine if your employee is abusing stimulants is by paying attention to warning signs. You may be mistaken to think a worker is driven by the determination to meet deadlines and work goals. A worker may take up extra responsibilities, report to work earlier, stay late, and even complete all their work on time. Learning to read the warning signs earlier on may prevent an employee from becoming a stimulant drugs addict. Some of the symptoms include;
• Having trouble sleeping
• Extreme weight loss
• Extreme mood swings
• Nervousness
• Lack of care over appearance
• Becoming withdrawn and less sociable
In case an employee is already addicted, there are various treatment options for stimulant addiction. Employers can help their workers by providing insurance to help cover the treatment and rehabilitation costs.
Solutions To Workplace Stimulant Abuse
Before resorting to firing an employee, you can help them to seek treatment. In some cases, an employee may not be voluntarily taking the drugs. Stimulants are legally prescribed to ADHD patients. They help such patients to focus and manage compulsive behaviors. Despite having some positive impacts, they are toxic due to their addictive nature and adverse side effects. It would, however, be unfair to fire an employee who uses the drugs to function normally. However, that does not mean turning a blind eye when the drug use is negatively impacting their work performance as this will also lead to poor business performance.
Meeting deadlines and stretching goals are essential. However, if you are abusing stimulants to achieve this, the drug will soon take its toll on your health. Sacrificing your health will have you suffering from severe depression. Learning healthy work stress management techniques will help you cope in any high-pressure work environment. Some healthy coping mechanisms include; better time management, occasionally taking time off work, set realistic goals and deadlines, work in teams, exercise regularly, take a healthy diet, and seek professional counseling services.
Need help with your addiction, we can help. We are located in South West Florida. Our highly trained professionals will take you through a thorough treatment and recovery program. We will also follow up on your progress after leaving the treatment center. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer all your questions and meet all your needs. Call us today at 844-639-8371.