APPENDIX A
Behaviors and Signs Attributed to Substance Abuse
Someone who is or is not under the influence of chemical substances may exhibit many of the behaviors described below. This list of behaviors should be used as clues for identification, together with other relevant information and observation, or behaviors commonly associated with being under the influence of chemical substances. It is important to consider patterns of behavior or changes in behavioral patterns as further indicators. One behavior or sign alone may be sufficient for reasonable cause depending on the severity. If uncertain, contact IU HR or EAP for assistance.
ATTENDANCE
Frequent Monday, Friday, pre/post-holiday, post payday tardiness and/or other patterned absences
Frequently has relative or friend call in any absences
Elaborate excuses for being late or absent
Abrupt changes in attendance
Failure to return from lunch break, ill after lunch
Frequently requests to go out to car and behavior change noted upon return
Frequently calls in at last minute requesting paid time off
Frequently absent from assigned work area
Frequently requests to leave work early
Showing up at work on scheduled days off due to failure to remember schedule
JOB PERFORMANCE
Withdrawal from responsibility
Difficulty meeting schedules and deadlines
Sleeping or dozing on the job
Does minimal work
Forgetfulness
Increasing pattern of becoming withdrawn and isolated: wants to change to work night shift, starts to take lunches alone, avoids informal staff get-togethers
Irritable with colleagues, making major issues out of minor ones
Erratic work, incomplete assignments, below par job performance or unexplained disappearances from an assignment
- For example, patterns of poor job performance on Monday, improvement on Tuesday, normal on Wednesday
Blames others for job performance problems
When confronted, claims being singled out
Poor attention to detail
Frequent visits by other employees or visitors
Excessive secretive telephone calls
Frequent trips to the restroom
Frequent violations of policies and procedures
ACCIDENTS
Frequent on the job accidents
PERSONALITY CHANGES
Pronounced mood swings
Increased sensitivity to arguments, overreacts
Distorts information
Chronic complaints
Blackouts (complete memory loss for events, conversations, phone calls to colleagues), minimizing of personal behavior problems to others
Sensitive to opinions expressed regarding drinking
Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions
PHYSICAL CHANGES
Hand tremor, shakiness, slurred speech, unsteady gate, nervousness
Red, glassy and/or bleary eyes, flushed face
Odor of alcohol on breath
Over-tiredness, complaints of “I feel rotten”
Excessive use of breath purifiers
Unkempt appearance, personal appearance deteriorates
Wears long sleeves all the time
Wears sunglasses at inappropriate times
Dilated pupils under bright light conditions
Pinpointed pupils under low light conditions
Excessive perspiration
Hyperactivity
Problems with coordination
Chronic nasal problems
Excessive weight loss
EVIDENCE OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA/ POSSESSION OF ILLICIT DRUGS OR ALCOHOL IN THE WORKPLACE
Hand rolled cigarettes
Cigarette papers
Roach clips
Plastic baggies
Bent Spoons
Razor blades
Short straws
Syringes
Alcohol containers
