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['Drug and Alcohol Testing']
['Drug and Alcohol Testing', 'Drug Free Workplace']
06/19/2025
Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
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How to recognize the signs of drug or alcohol use
An employee’s actions and demeanor can indicate that the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and it is important to be aware of those signs. This list highlights some common signs of drug or alcohol use.
Documentation
When an employee is suspected of being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, the signs should be documented. All observations should be recent and specific. It is a best practice to have signs of drug or alcohol use confirmed by a second supervisor, manager, or human resources associate.
A document listing signs of an employee’s impairment should be retained in a confidential file that is separate from general employee information.
Physical signs
- Excessive sweating
- Vomiting
- Excessive belching
- Shaking hands/body tremors
- Twitching Slobbering
Face:
- Flush/pale/sweaty
- Red/bloodshot eyes
- Watery/glassy eyes
- Closed eyes
- Droopy eyelids
- Dilated/constricted pupils
- Lip smacking
- Wearing sunglasses
Speech
- Slurred
- Rambling/rapid
- Repetitive
- Mumbling
- Slow
- Unusually talkative
- Shouting
- Whispering/silent
Actions
- Impaired judgment
- Disoriented/confused
- Erratic
- Loss of inhibition/impulsive
- Euphoric
- Cannot control machinery/equipment
- Limited attention span
- Resisting communication
- Angry/irritable
- Hostile/threatening
- Fighting/combative/insubordinate
- Insulting
- Anxious/fearful/nervous
- Crying
- Sleepy/in a stupor/lethargic
- Excessive yawning/fatigue
- Sad/depressed/withdrawn
Movements
- Uncoordinated
- Fumbling
- Swaying/stumbling/staggering
- Unsteady
- Slow
- Jerky
- Falling down
- Unable to stand
- Rigid
Appearance
- Disheveled
- Dirty
- Partially dressed
- Needle tracks of puncture marks
- Runny nose/sores around nostrils
Odors
- Odor of alcohol
- Odor of chemicals
Other observations and information
When an employee exhibits signs of drug or alcohol use, additional information pertinent to the situation should also be documented. This can include:
- Employee name
- Date and time observed
- Location where observation occurred
- Names and titles of witnesses
- Additional observations
- Employee admission of the use of drugs or alcohol
- Other employee comments
drug-and-alcohol-testing
Drug and Alcohol Testing
drug-and-alcohol-testing
Drug and Alcohol Testing
HUMAN RESOURCES EDGE
How to recognize the signs of drug or alcohol use
An employee’s actions and demeanor can indicate that the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and it is important to be aware of those signs. This list highlights some common signs of drug or alcohol use.
Documentation
When an employee is suspected of being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, the signs should be documented. All observations should be recent and specific. It is a best practice to have signs of drug or alcohol use confirmed by a second supervisor, manager, or human resources associate.
A document listing signs of an employee’s impairment should be retained in a confidential file that is separate from general employee information.
Physical signs
- Excessive sweating
- Vomiting
- Excessive belching
- Shaking hands/body tremors
- Twitching Slobbering
Face:
- Flush/pale/sweaty
- Red/bloodshot eyes
- Watery/glassy eyes
- Closed eyes
- Droopy eyelids
- Dilated/constricted pupils
- Lip smacking
- Wearing sunglasses
Speech
- Slurred
- Rambling/rapid
- Repetitive
- Mumbling
- Slow
- Unusually talkative
- Shouting
- Whispering/silent
Actions
- Impaired judgment
- Disoriented/confused
- Erratic
- Loss of inhibition/impulsive
- Euphoric
- Cannot control machinery/equipment
- Limited attention span
- Resisting communication
- Angry/irritable
- Hostile/threatening
- Fighting/combative/insubordinate
- Insulting
- Anxious/fearful/nervous
- Crying
- Sleepy/in a stupor/lethargic
- Excessive yawning/fatigue
- Sad/depressed/withdrawn
Movements
- Uncoordinated
- Fumbling
- Swaying/stumbling/staggering
- Unsteady
- Slow
- Jerky
- Falling down
- Unable to stand
- Rigid
Appearance
- Disheveled
- Dirty
- Partially dressed
- Needle tracks of puncture marks
- Runny nose/sores around nostrils
Odors
- Odor of alcohol
- Odor of chemicals
Other observations and information
When an employee exhibits signs of drug or alcohol use, additional information pertinent to the situation should also be documented. This can include:
- Employee name
- Date and time observed
- Location where observation occurred
- Names and titles of witnesses
- Additional observations
- Employee admission of the use of drugs or alcohol
- Other employee comments
Answer
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.