92. CLASSROOM OR WORKPLACE

What Research Shows

Teachers and employers are often the first to notice signs of substance abuse because schools and workplaces require consistency, focus, and reliability. The defining characteristic of a person struggling with addiction in these environments is unpredictability.

What You See

Attendance is the most objective metric. In workplaces, a classic sign of substance abuse is the Monday-Friday pattern. Employees may call out sick on Mondays due to hangovers or leave early on Fridays to start a binge. In schools, this manifests as sudden truancy or chronic tardiness. Beyond absences, look for on-the-job absenteeism, such as long, unexplained disappearances to the restroom or parking lot to use substances. A sudden, precipitous drop in performance is another major red flag. In the classroom, previously engaged students might sleep in class, stop turning in homework, or struggle to concentrate. At work, employees might miss deadlines or make sloppy errors. This is often presenteeism, where the person is physically present but mentally vacant. You may notice an oscillating pattern of high energy and productivity followed by days of lethargy, irritability, and brain fog. Physical indicators include a decline in grooming, such as wearing disheveled clothes, or the excessive use of masking agents like strong cologne and mouthwash. When a normally reliable individual becomes volatile, unreliable, and secretive, it is a strong sign that a substance has taken priority over their responsibilities.

What You Can Do

When you observe these signs, document specific behaviors and patterns objectively rather than accusing them. Initiate a private, compassionate conversation focusing on performance and attendance rather than drug use. Encourage them to utilize school counselors or your workplace employee assistance program. Set clear, consistent boundaries regarding expectations, and seek guidance from human resources or professional interventionists to navigate the situation.