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Alcoholism is more common in professional environments than many employers realize. It’s the most widely abused substance in America, and yet it often goes undetected in the workplace until it’s already had a damaging impact on performance, morale, and organizational health.
If you’re a supervisor or HR leader trying to understand how to approach a potential case of alcoholism in the workplace, especially when the employee isn’t forthcoming, Dr. Jason Powers shares coming signs of alcoholism in the workplace, why denial is a common barrier, how to approach your employees, and how Positive Recovery Centers can support you and your team.
Understanding the Signs of Alcoholism in the Workplace
Supervisors and HR professionals aren’t responsible for diagnosing substance use disorders, but they are responsible for performance management. Alcoholism often shows up subtly at first, through behavior and productivity changes rather than direct admissions.
Watch for patterns such as:
- Increased absenteeism, particularly after weekends or lunches
- Decline in work quality or focus
- Noticeable smell of alcohol
- Belligerent or defensive interactions
- Avoidance of supervisors or one-on-one meetings
- Repeated excuses for underperformance
None of these behaviors alone confirms alcoholism, but when they appear in combination and persist over time, they warrant a thoughtful, measured response. The key is to track observable behaviors that interfere with performance, rather than trying to determine the cause on your own.
Why Denial Is a Common Barrier
A major challenge in addressing alcoholism, or addiction in general, is denial. Many individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder genuinely don’t believe they have a problem. As Dr. Powers shares, “sometimes alcoholics are the last to know they’re struggling with alcohol.” It’s important to note that this isn’t always a conscious choice or a malicious one, as denial is often a psychological defense mechanism rooted in fear, shame, or confusion.
For supervisors, this means conversations about declining performance or behavior may be met with resistance, deflection, or emotional reactions. Approach these discussions with empathy and a focus on facts, not speculation. Your goal is to express concern, not make accusations.
How to Approach Your Employee in the Workplace
If you’re noticing changes in an employee’s performance or behavior, it’s important to address them directly, calmly, and with care. Your focus should be on job-related concerns and creating a clear path to support.
Start by reviewing what support resources your organization offers. If you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), make sure you know how it works and how to refer employees confidentially. Even without an EAP, you can still guide someone toward external treatment options.
At Positive Recovery Centers, we partner with individuals and employers to provide structured, professional addiction treatment designed to support recovery and workplace reintegration.
Before speaking with the employee, document specific, observable behaviors such as missed deadlines, frequent absences, or changes in mood or conduct. Stay factual and objective. When you meet, do so privately and respectfully. Stay focused on what you’ve observed and how it’s affecting their work. Let them know you’re concerned and that support is available.
A simple, non-judgmental approach might sound like:
“I’ve noticed some changes in your attendance and performance. If something’s going on, I want you to know we have resources, and help is available.”
Unless safety or compliance issues are involved, lead with compassion before taking disciplinary action. Many people can recover and thrive when they have access to the right help. Positive Recovery Centers offers confidential, evidence-based treatment for working professionals, along with tools to help them return to their roles with confidence.
Get Help at Positive Recovery Centers
Addressing the issue early can prevent more serious consequences down the road, both for the individual and the organization. Untreated alcoholism can lead to major safety risks, team disruptions, legal liabilities, and costly turnover.
The good news is that recovery is possible and highly likely with timely intervention. Alcohol use disorder responds well to professional treatment, and many individuals thrive once they have access to the right support.
If you’re concerned about an employee who may be struggling with alcohol use, we are here to support you and your team. At Positive Recovery Centers, we offer a full range of treatment options from Medical Detox to Residential Treatment to Sober Living —so we can meet people where they are and support their recovery at every stage.
Our programs are designed to help working professionals get the help they need and return to their roles with confidence. Whether you’re looking for guidance on next steps or a trusted treatment partner, we’re here to help. Visit positiverecovery.com or call today at 877-476-2743 to speak with a member of our team.