Alcohol
Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide
Alcohol, the most widely consumed drug in Australia, casts a long shadow over the workplace. With 35% of the population aged 14 and over indulging at least weekly, and a 7.4% surge in alcohol-related deaths since 2020, it's a problem demanding attention.
The cost to Australian businesses? A staggering $3.5 billion annually in lost productivity, not to mention the health and safety risks it poses to everyone at work.
Understanding Alcohol:
Alcohol, the chemical ethanol, is a central nervous system depressant. While pure alcohol is colorless and tasteless, it takes on various colors and flavors when combined with other ingredients, creating the vast array of alcoholic beverages we know.
Beer, wine, rum, vodka, and spirits are just a few examples.
Once consumed, alcohol enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine, with the liver responsible for its metabolism. Heavy drinking, however, can lead to long-term damage, including cirrhosis of the liver.
Alcohols impact on the Body:
Alcohol's influence extends far beyond a buzz. It impacts the brain, central nervous system, liver, and heart, causing a cascade of effects:
Brain: Memory, especially recent memory, suffers. Executive functions like risk assessment and judgment become impaired, leading to impulsive behavior and poor decisions.
Heart: Excessive drinking can elevate blood pressure, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiomyopathy.
Liver: Alcohol progressively destroys the liver, starting with fatty liver disease and progressing to alcoholic hepatitis and eventually cirrhosis.
Pancreas: Alcohol consumption can lead to pancreatitis, a severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
Digestive Tract: Alcohol increases the risk of cancer in various parts of the digestive system, including the mouth, esophagus, throat, and liver.
Workplace Impact Due to Alcohol:
Alcohol abuse at work has far-reaching consequences. Employees struggling with addiction are more likely to be absent or tardy, showing up with poor hygiene or bloodshot eyes.
Their decision-making suffers, leading to inefficiency and decreased productivity.
Moreover, intoxicated workers pose a significant safety hazard, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries while operating machinery or driving company vehicles.
Recognising the Signs of Alcohol Abuse:
Unkempt appearance or bloodshot eyes
Persistent odor of alcohol on breath and skin
Excessive tiredness, especially at work's beginning or morning
Unsteady gait, clumsiness, or tremors
Tardiness, sluggishness, and slow response times
Difficulty understanding or following instructions
Frequent forgetfulness, especially of recent events or instructions
Increased absenteeism and sick leave
Mood swings, irritability, aggression, or temper outbursts
Intoxicated behavior, characterized by irrationality
Addressing Alcohol Abuse:
The most effective way to combat alcohol abuse in the workplace is to implement a clear and comprehensive drug and alcohol policy.