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InstituteDrug and Alcohol TestingDrug and Alcohol TestingDrug Free WorkplaceHR EdgeHow-To GuidesHR ManagementEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaHuman ResourcesUSA

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  • Sad/depressed/withdrawn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
InstituteDrug and Alcohol TestingDrug and Alcohol TestingDrug Free WorkplaceHR EdgeHow-To GuidesHR ManagementEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaHuman ResourcesUSA

How to recognize the signs of drug or alcohol use

InstituteDrug and Alcohol TestingDrug and Alcohol TestingDrug Free WorkplaceHR EdgeHow-To GuidesHR ManagementEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaHuman ResourcesUSA

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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