There is still an existing stigma surround drug and alcohol addiction, especially within the workplace. People often fall victim to addiction for many different reasons, and more often than not, it is entirely unintentional. There seems to be a continuous lack of knowledge and facts surrounding this topic, which leads to a lack of understanding and empathy for victims of drug addiction in workplaces. Let’s explore some of the most common myths surrounding drug addiction:
“Educated People Can Not Be Addicts”
There seems to be a misconception that only people who have a lack of education and money fall victim to addiction. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Many wealthy people find themselves dependent on drugs for many different reasons regardless of whether they have an education or not. Drug addiction is usually addressed in schools; however, this does not mean to say that it stops people.
“Drugs Help You Work Better”
People sometimes justify their use of drugs to themselves by believing that it will make them perform better. This is false. Drugs can stimulate your body to a certain extent, and may give you a rapid burst of energy, however it depresses your body’s system, and you can become heavily dependent on it. No-one should rely on illegal substances for work purposes, although when someone is addicted, they feel like they cannot function without it. Which is why, it may be beneficial for workplaces to implement regular drug test procedures.
“Vaping Is Harmless”
Many people believe that because you are not smoking cigarettes, that vaping, and e-cigarettes are harmless. This is false and vaping can cause serious long-term health issues. Vaping is deadly to your heart and lungs. It can raise your blood pressure and increases your heart rate. E-cigarettes can be just as addictive as heroin. In some cases, users could be consuming more nicotine via vaping.
“I Will Be Fired For Having An Addiction”
Under the employment protection law, employers must treat those with addiction as a form of sickness, and not an immediate dismissal. Your employer must offer confidentiality and time off for rehabilitation and therapy in order for you to overcome the issue. You will not be dismissed for having an addiction, and instead your boss should always be required to offer you help and support as well as complete confidentiality to ensure you are comfortable discussing your addiction.
“People Can Get Sober If They Truly Wanted To”
Many people dismiss addiction and think that it is a choice. This is false. A persons need to rely on drugs is overwhelming and it can encourage them to lose all control over their decisions. The reason people go to rehab and therapy, is because they must be guided in order to become sober and it does not happen overnight. It takes great patience, willpower, self-discipline, and bravery.
Final Words
Drug addiction in the workplace is very commonly dismissed and ignored, despite it being a very common issue in the UK. Understanding the facts surrounding addiction can help us all to get to a place of empathy and understanding for those who have fallen victim to this awful disease. Misinformation regarding a serious topic like this one is dangerous, and is what leads to people becoming unintentionally addicted.