What type of behaviors might indicate a potential substance abuse issue in a coworker?

Frequent absences and mood swings can be strong indicators of potential substance abuse issues in a coworker. Such behaviors often reflect the struggle that an individual may be facing with managing their responsibilities while dealing with the effects of substance use. For instance, absences might suggest that the individual is unable to meet their obligations due to the consequences of their substance use, while mood swings can point to emotional instability, which is often associated with substance abuse. These symptoms may manifest as erratic behavior in the workplace, impacting not only the individual’s work but also the team dynamics and overall workplace environment.

In contrast, increased participation in team meetings or consistent on-time arrivals may actually suggest a person is functioning well and managing their responsibilities effectively, and sudden improvements in job performance without a clear explanation could raise questions but do not directly indicate substance abuse.