In this comprehensive article in HR Grapevine on How to help employees struggling with Addiction, Dr. Peter Vernig is quoted in the section titled “How to approach addiction” on how to speak to employees about the affected person.
“If you think or know that someone has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it is important to approach them with empathy and listen to what they have to say,” he shares. “Although it is common in movies and TV, confronting or accusing someone [commonly known as ‘intervention] may not be the best approach. When people are confronted, they tend to respond by withdrawing further and becoming defensive. It is important to be direct, but also compassionate and supportive.