Creating and setting career goals can provide an opportunity to support your family and reach financial stability. When you or a loved one becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol, it can negatively impact your career. Recognizing the ways that addiction will impact your career can help you determine when it is time to seek help.
Criminal Record
Although certain substances may not be illegal, an addiction can result in behaviors that are against the law. It is not uncommon for individuals who use drugs to steal or commit other crimes in an effort to obtain their substance of choice. Furthermore, operating a vehicle while under the influence of a substance is against the law.
A criminal record can limit available career opportunities, explains the University of Wisconsin. It may even mean the loss of a current position. Certain jobs, such as a teacher or a professional who works with children, will not consider individuals who have a criminal record.
Losing a Job
Along with the difficulty of finding a position after becoming dependent on a substance, there is also the possibility that you or a loved one may lose a job.
Even if you do not have a criminal record, addiction can result in inappropriate behaviors. You may ignore your responsibilities, which results in the loss of a job.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. explains that your work performance may be impacted by substance use. As a result, your employer may be dissatisfied with your work performance or level of productivity. Over time, it can result in the loss of your position.
Loss of Income
There are a variety of ways that addiction can have an impact your life and career. The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that it can impact your overall income level and your opportunity to obtain a higher income.
Individuals who do not use substances are able to focus on their career goals. As a result, their work and performance on the job is more effective and efficient. When a promotion is available, those individuals are more likely to be considered.
When an individual is using substances, it may limit the opportunities to obtain a promotion. Over time, it can result in a lower income level and a greater risk of struggling financially.
Reduced Concentration
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. explains that substance use and addiction can result in a preoccupation with using the substance of choice. As a result, it is hard to focus on the tasks at work.
When you or a loved one is focusing on substance use, concentration wavers and responsibilities are ignored. Over time, it can have an impact on the overall environment in the workplace and can result in problems with co-workers, an employer, or even individuals who are working at a lower position. If you are responsible for other employees in the workplace, then you may ignore their needs, capabilities, or even their role in upcoming projects.
Even if you are not using a substance, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. suggests that it is possible that a loved one’s actions can impact your behavior at work. It’s hard to concentrate on your job when a loved one is struggling with addiction.
Difficulty Getting Along With Coworkers
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention states that substance use and addiction will make it difficult to get along with others. You are more likely to cope with stress and anxiety poorly when an addiction develops.
In any job or career that requires you to work with a team, individuals who are offered the better positions are those who can get along with their coworkers.
There are several ways that a career is impacted by addiction. Depending on the time when the addiction starts and the situation, it may result in the loss of a job, a refusal to provide a job or a limited potential to grow and reach career goals.
Sources:
http://www.uwstout.edu/services/aspire/protect-your-professional-identity.cfm
https://ncadd.org/learn-about-drugs/workplace
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-school-work-social-life
http://www.ojjdp.gov/pubs/coachesplaybook/effects_of_using.html
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