Addiction is an issue no one should struggle with. Especially when it comes to a colleague you work with. It’s important to know what you can do for them.
Addiction can be formed in many ways. This can include drugs and/or alcohol. If the colleague is dealing with alcohol addiction, they will need to attend alcohol rehab as part of their treatment.
There’s so much you can do to help. However, you want to make sure you approach this with empathy and sensitivity. With that in mind, let’s get started.
Be observant
The first thing you need to do is observe the behaviors and potential signs your colleague may be displaying. This can include changes in their appearance, decreased productivity, mood swings, and absenteeism.
If you notice any of these signs, you want to take action as soon as possible. You may have known your colleague for a lengthy period of time. Or you might have worked with them for a few months.
Either way, knowing the signs and observing them will be important. It can make the difference between intervening and ignoring the problem. The last thing you want to do is the latter.
Start a conversation
Talking about addiction can be a challenge. So it is important to approach the topic in an empathetic and compassionate tone. You must also avoid being judgmental and blaming or shaming them for it.
You’ll want to express your concern for their well-being. Ask them if they need help. You may have to suggest it at some point.
They may refuse help at first. They might have even had these conversations with others. It’s important that someone dealing with an addiction will need to get the help they get as soon as possible.
The sooner someone gets help, the better. The worst that can happen is that they might continue their addiction, further leading to issues regarding their physical and mental health. Whether it’s drug or alcohol addiction, it can even lead to serious and even fatal consequences.
It can take one conversation for your colleague to get the message. They need to know that their addiction is nothing they want to live with. If they get help and make the necessary changes, they will be a better person for it.
Offer support
If your colleague is receptive to your conversation, offer your support. Inform them that you are there for them and will be willing to help in any way possible. Encourage them to get help and even offer to accompany them to any meetings or appointments.
It means a lot to someone who is recovering from addiction to have support. They can receive support not just from you but also from other colleagues, their family members, and others. The last thing a recovering addict needs is a lack of support.
Suggest rehab
As always, you want to suggest rehab for your colleague. If they are dealing with alcohol addiction, then make sure you suggest alcohol rehab. If it’s drug addiction, then you’ll be able to encourage your colleague to attend a drug rehab facility.
There are plenty of rehab programs, such as inpatient and outpatient. Each of them has its own set of resources and treatment approaches. The goal is to help a person get over their addiction while adopting coping strategies that will help them navigate through life without alcohol or drugs.
They will have mental health services available to your colleague if needed. They can access therapy services and other resources. A dual diagnosis may be possible, thus making it a recommendation for them to receive treatment for their mental disorder along with their addiction.
Respect their privacy
It is important that you respect your colleague’s privacy when they are dealing with their addiction issue. It is also a good idea to keep things private. Meaning you don’t discuss any personal information with other people without your colleague’s permission.
Addiction is a topic that is sensitive. It may be up to your colleague to not disclose the issue to anyone that shouldn’t know about it. They will place just enough trust in you to talk about it.
At the same time, they will ask you not to talk about it with anyone else. No matter how many people ask and pry, stick to your guns and make sure you don’t say anything.
Take care of yourself
Helping your colleague with addiction is admirable. However, it can be an emotionally taxing thing to do. That’s why it is important to take care of yourself as well.
This can include receiving professional help yourself. You should also seek support from friends and family. As mentioned, you can only do so much.
Even though you’re not suffering from the addiction directly, you may feel like you’re suffering from someone else’s problem. Again, be sure to help when and where needed.
But never neglect the idea of taking good care of yourself.
Follow up with them
You should follow up with your colleague on a regular basis and continue your support. The recovery process from addiction is a long-term thing. And it would mean a lot to your colleague to provide them with the continued support needed to maintain their sobriety.
This is a huge plus for them since they rely on their support system. They will keep in contact with them over the years. They know that relapse can occur at any point, and they need someone to talk to when the going gets rough.
Final Thoughts
A work colleague struggling with addiction is a hard thing to watch. That’s why you should consider getting help for them. Be sure to follow these steps listed above so you can make sure they follow through with their treatment without issue.
You can do your part to make sure your colleague beats their addiction. They will thank you for stepping in when the opportunity was there. Don’t let any addiction go unnoticed – especially if it is a colleague’s.
