Workplace Wellness Toolkit > Workplace Health Strategies > Opioid Addiction

Opioid Addiction

Opioids are highly addictive narcotic substances commonly prescribed for chronic pain after surgery or injury. Opioids must be used with extreme caution even though they can provide powerful relief for those struggling with chronic pain.

Drug addiction is a chronic disease—not a character flaw. Addiction is characterized by drug use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.

Many people mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.

Drug addiction is also a complex disease. No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.

The good news is that drug addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. Prevention, education, and pro-active measures make a huge difference. Employers can play a critical role in providing support for employers. Take Action in the workplace.

Drug or alcohol use can result in several behaviors such as

  • Increased absenteeism
  • Decreased productivity (due to poor work performance)
  • Increased turnover
  • Increased accidents
  • Increased health care costs

Risk Factors

Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them.

Unintentional overdose is a risk for anyone who takes prescription opioids. Long-term health problems, paralysis, coma, and death are all potential life altering consequences.

Misuse is increased when there is a past or current substance use disorder, untreated psychiatric disorders, younger age, and social or family environments that encourage misuse.

Even when taken as directed, prescription opioids can cause harmful side effects that may affect productivity in the workplace including:

  • Increased sensitivity to pain
  • Sleepiness and dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Low energy and depression

Physical Warning Signs of Addiction

  • Change in physical appearance
  • Small pupils
  • Decreased respiratory rate
  • Non-responsiveness
  • Frequently tired
  • Loss or increase in appetite
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Intense flu-like symptoms (nausea; vomiting; sweating; shaky hands, feet, or head; large pupils)
  • Wearing long sleeves or hiding arms
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Poor physical coordination
  • Looking un-groomed or appear to be lacking hygiene

Behavioral Warning Signs

  • Change in attitude and/or personality
  • Tendency to avoid contact with family and/or friends
  • Change in friends, hobbies, activities and/or sports
  • Drops in performance at work
  • Isolation and secretive behavior
  • Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, giddiness
  • Tendency to steal

Strategies to Reduce Drug Abuse

  • Alcohol and drug testing
  • An employee assistance program
  • Include Narcan in emergency kits and provide training for employees so they know how to administer it
  • A written policy
  • Connect employees with programs that offer alternate ways to manage pain
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