Drug addiction and work do not usually go well together. It is possible for some people to maintain a job despite a drug addiction. However, in the majority of cases, drug addiction will adversely affect anybody’s career.
This article will explore some of the different ways that drug addiction can impact your work life. If you or your loved ones are struggling with addiction and are worried about how it might affect your employment, don’t hesitate to connect with a counselor or San Diego drug rehab center.
Is it unsafe to work with an addiction?
Addiction doesn’t always make people sloppy or incapable of working. Many people are able to maintain a job despite their addiction. These people are referred to as functional addicts.
However, even in the case of a functional addict, there are a lot of dangers and risks that could cost one their job.
The very nature of addiction makes people unreliable and unpredictable. Even people who are punctual and have strong morals may change when they’re at the mercy of drugs or alcohol. These substances and the subsequent withdrawal symptoms can be very debilitating and potentially fatal.
All of this means that a person with an addiction, at least a serious one, will have to prioritize their addiction before their work life.
Examples of how addiction can interfere with work
These are a couple of general examples of how addiction can get in the way of work.
Hangovers and withdrawals
Drugs and alcohol can cause hangovers — unpleasant after-effects — and withdrawal symptoms. All of these issues present uncomfortable physical and mental issues.
Most people with addictions will attempt to organize their time and schedule so they don’t have to experience withdrawals during work. However, it’s not always easy to maintain your personal schedule when you’re trying to synchronize with a drug dealer. This can lead to missed days of work.
Dishonesty
Not all drug users are dishonest. However, because of the stigma against drug addiction, many people find that they have to lie about their addiction to cover it up. This is especially true in the workplace. If your employer finds out that you’re lying about drugs or alcohol, this could impact your professional relationship.
Crimes
Again, not all drug users are criminals. In fact, only the minority are. However, those enmeshed in a serious addiction may find that they need to cheat or steal in order to support their addiction. Obviously, if someone is caught stealing from work this could jeopardize their job.
Most activities associated with drugs are also illegal. If you get into trouble with the law because of your drug-related activity, you won’t be able to show up for work.
Conclusion
Some people are able to maintain a job even though they have a serious addiction. However, this is generally difficult to do. Addiction can adversely affect a job in many different ways.
If you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction and you’re worried about losing your job, don’t hesitate to seek help at a San Diego drug rehab center… Addiction professionals are happy to teach you how to navigate life without relying on drugs or alcohol as a crutch.
