Everyone has personal problems that affects their performance at work. Those problems come and go, allowing employees to return to peak productivity. But sometimes those personal problems seem to increase and multiply, causing concern in coworkers and supervisors. When this happens, it’s important to know the symptoms of cocaine abuse in the workplace to help those employees.

Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse

When an employee is abusing cocaine, he or she may disappear at a certain time each day to take an unscheduled break. When returning to work, his or her mood will be noticeably different. Typically, a cocaine user will seem excited and more confident after using the drug. He or she will seem ready to take on the world and any challenges the job provides. This employee will have abundant energy but will lack appetite.

Because the effects of powder cocaine will last only an hour or two, he or she will disappear more often as the addiction becomes chronic. Other physical symptoms will become more obvious.

Physical Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse

The employee who abuses cocaine may have traces of white powder around the nose from snorting the drug. After long-term use, he or she may develop a runny nose and nosebleeds due to the damage snorting causes the delicate lining in the nose.

This employee may show changes in mental state such as euphoria, aggressiveness, paranoia, poor judgment, delusions, and hallucinations. After long-term use his or her performance will decrease dramatically due to apathy, agitation, depression, physical exhaustion, and intense cravings for more cocaine. These cravings can derail all good intentions in the workplace as he or she can only focus on getting more cocaine to stop withdrawal symptoms.

Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse in the Workplace

Everyone goes through personal problems that affect job performance. It is important to stay connected with coworkers and employees. Ask why they seem to have a rough time if performance is dropping. Ask if you can help in any way. Offering support during a rough transition is often enough to get the person back on track.

But, if you notice the signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse in the workplace, it may be time for an intervention. Contact your human resources department to verify your company’s policy dealing with drug abuse in the workplace. It is critical to offer treatment options to this employee regardless of his or her job status once intervention starts.

Need Help to Talk to Someone Who Shows Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse in the Workplace?

It can be hard talking to an employee who is showing signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse. Knowing he or she may lose their job if they refuse to get help can be heartbreaking, especially if you know their family. Drug abuse affects everyone around the person addicted. Keep in mind it’s kinder to take a stand against the drug abuse even when it may cost someone their job. Allowing the employee to continue using cocaine at work endangers everyone around him or her, not to mention the company’s reputation.

If your company does not have an intervention specialist on staff, Aion Recovery can offer you the support of a professional intervention specialist. The intervention specialist will prepare your company to intervene with the person in question and be present for the meeting if needed. Call Aion Recovery at 888-811-2879 to schedule an intervention today.