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Cocaine Use At Work

answered 10:53 AM EST, Tue November 01, 2011
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I caught my business partner using cocaine at work. He laughed it off as something he never does but it shocked me totally to see it and now that I think back it would explain some of the erratic behavior and poor work performance I’ve observed over the last couple of months. I thought he was just having a hard time with the separation he’s going through with his wife.

I respect him as a person and I care for him, but we have always had a very professional only working relationship, whereby our personal lives were our own business and not very relevant to the workings of the company. However, our financial fates are very intertwined and though he is a very skilled architect if he fails to live up to his potential or his promises then I could be in very deep trouble.

I don’t want to make more of this than I should. I have never done drugs, but I get it that not everyone who does cocaine is a drug addict. But how can I tell if he has a drug problem? I need to know if it’s a recreational thing for him or if it’s more, and knowing him I am not going to be able to ask and get a straight answer. So what are the signs I should be looking for?

Donna Hunter Says...

Donna Hunter D. Hunter
LCSW, CAP

The initial red flag I see is that he is using at work.  Even if you put aside the legalities of cocaine, when someone starts using at work, it is a bad sign.  It is an indication of poor judgment at best, addiction at worst.

 

Addiction is when the use of a substance or behavior negatively effects physical health, occupational performance, social relationships etc.  It sounds as though you have noticed signs- "erratic behavior and poor work performance".  You attributed it to his separation.  While that may be true, you may not know whether or not his cocaine use attributed to his separation.

 

Not everyone who uses is a drug addict.  That is true.  But when someone 's functioning is being effected, addict or not action needs to be taken.  This person's behavior affects you personally.  You have a vested interest in his behavior.  By not doing something you are putting yourself at risk and enabling continued bad behavior.  Think of the consequence should a client or staff member see him doing coke.  Would everyone keep the secret or would someone call the police?  I am sure in your company there are drug free environment regulations, work safety issues.  As an architect, does he ever go out to a building site?  If there is an accident and he is drug tested, what would the consequences be for all of you?

 

At this point it does not sound like it maters if he considers his use as recreational.  He is involved with criminal activity.  i know that is sounds like an extreme statement, but he is purchasing, in possession of and using an illegal substance.  Now he is bringing that substance into the work place.

 

Knowing that you will not get a straight answer from him leads you to confront him with the facts that you know.  What specifically do you consider his erratic behavior.  What specifically has been his poor work performance- changes  from past functioning.  He will likely blame it on his separation. The final part of the confrontation is the poor judgment bringing in and using drugs in the office.  It is a big deal.  It is not acceptable and it puts everyone at risk.  He will likely try to rationalize and minimize.  You may need to put in a consequence of some sort; telling HR about it, having him drug tested etc.  It would all depend on your position within the company.  This may escalate over time, so you need to be clear on what is important to you.

 

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Page last updated Nov 01, 2011

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