Aa
what to do?
I am new to this site and have read a lot of posts regarding oxy and percocet addiction.
My problem is that I suspect one of my star employees is addicted or becoming addicted to one or both of these drugs. He makes a good salary but is always broke and needing cash advances. he has borrowed quite bit from me and I have forgiven much of the debts in lieu of bonuses. I told him I suspected drugs and they had to stop. After that he became depressed and very irritable for a week or so. How much does this stuff cost? When I look back 6 or 7 months, I think he was normal but I can't be sure so I don't know how long he has been on the stuff. It does seem that six months ago was when the money problems started. If I knew the cost I could have a better understanding of how bad his problem is.
I confronted him the other day and he said he stopped two weeks ago with the help of some w/d pills from a friend. He did seem unusually happy the day he told me but I suspect that he just started up again that morning. To further complicate things, he is one of my tenants living with his mother. To fire him would be to also evict him and to throw his elderly mother out on the street. He has no money and I know if I don't handle this right it will be a real bad scene as I watch someone's life go down the drain. Did I mention he is one of my best employees?
What to do?
My problem is that I suspect one of my star employees is addicted or becoming addicted to one or both of these drugs. He makes a good salary but is always broke and needing cash advances. he has borrowed quite bit from me and I have forgiven much of the debts in lieu of bonuses. I told him I suspected drugs and they had to stop. After that he became depressed and very irritable for a week or so. How much does this stuff cost? When I look back 6 or 7 months, I think he was normal but I can't be sure so I don't know how long he has been on the stuff. It does seem that six months ago was when the money problems started. If I knew the cost I could have a better understanding of how bad his problem is.
I confronted him the other day and he said he stopped two weeks ago with the help of some w/d pills from a friend. He did seem unusually happy the day he told me but I suspect that he just started up again that morning. To further complicate things, he is one of my tenants living with his mother. To fire him would be to also evict him and to throw his elderly mother out on the street. He has no money and I know if I don't handle this right it will be a real bad scene as I watch someone's life go down the drain. Did I mention he is one of my best employees?
What to do?
Ah...then you do have an issue. Hmmm....well...I'm kind of torn here. You try to help the guy and he crashes and burns and you're out more time and money. At the same time, evictions are expensive and hell for everyone, you included.
Ugh. I hate to say it, but if it was me, I'd take the position of landlord/boss over helper, unless this person is a REALLY good friend. Does he have ANY insurance? That would cover his med's? If not, it could be costing quite a bit. But if he's got a sick mother, I'd guess that's where he's been getting some of his med's. You don't suppose he's been doing something like heroin, do you? That's a real money eater, and they often pose as pill heads. Not that there's a big difference, drug wise. More of a social stigma, really.
Hmmm... I'd say sit him down and spell out reality to him. Then tell him to come here if he's not comfortable discussing this with you. One of the things I do at the HR Center is "life planning", trying to counsel addicts in a practical financial/time plan in dealing with their detox. (Sounds more important than it is!! :) )
If he's honest, maybe we can work out a practical plan for dealing with this, his job, and his rent situation without him exploding. Tell him to send me a specific e-mail if he decides to do this, as I don't normally get into this on this board.
Ugh. I hate to say it, but if it was me, I'd take the position of landlord/boss over helper, unless this person is a REALLY good friend. Does he have ANY insurance? That would cover his med's? If not, it could be costing quite a bit. But if he's got a sick mother, I'd guess that's where he's been getting some of his med's. You don't suppose he's been doing something like heroin, do you? That's a real money eater, and they often pose as pill heads. Not that there's a big difference, drug wise. More of a social stigma, really.
Hmmm... I'd say sit him down and spell out reality to him. Then tell him to come here if he's not comfortable discussing this with you. One of the things I do at the HR Center is "life planning", trying to counsel addicts in a practical financial/time plan in dealing with their detox. (Sounds more important than it is!! :) )
If he's honest, maybe we can work out a practical plan for dealing with this, his job, and his rent situation without him exploding. Tell him to send me a specific e-mail if he decides to do this, as I don't normally get into this on this board.
Job performance has been declining. The issue is his quality of life and what happens in the near future. He is already behind several months in rent. I do not want to be the enabler nor the sucker. I DO want to help this person as it it mutually beneficial. I have told him that he can count on me for anything. I will say that his addiction is definitely of my concern or I wouldn't be here.
...Is he performing his job as expected? If so, I'd say his addiction isn't an issue of your concern (sorry, but to be blunt, you're approaching this as an employer/landlord...you mention eviction, after all).
I'll give you this info...a pill habit varies in cost depending on where he's getting the pills from and the type. Hell, you can spend your whole bank account on legitimate med's in this country, they aren't cheap!
If you REALLY want to help, I'd discuss with him arranging a week or two off for him to deal with the problem. He and you should be aware that you can't just tell him "start today" and off he goes! It will take time (and probably money) to arrange for the help and medication he'll need to detox.
Are you going to be supportive to him in the weeks after his detox when he's feeling terrible and not performing at full capacity? (Supportive=not firing him). Because this is one of the main reason many people stay addicts. They fear the period during/after detox, when they'll be unable to function well. Fear losing their jobs and their homes.
They usually spiral out of control eventually, unable to keep functioning under all the pressures of life and addiction.
So...there ya go. Any questions? :)
I'll give you this info...a pill habit varies in cost depending on where he's getting the pills from and the type. Hell, you can spend your whole bank account on legitimate med's in this country, they aren't cheap!
If you REALLY want to help, I'd discuss with him arranging a week or two off for him to deal with the problem. He and you should be aware that you can't just tell him "start today" and off he goes! It will take time (and probably money) to arrange for the help and medication he'll need to detox.
Are you going to be supportive to him in the weeks after his detox when he's feeling terrible and not performing at full capacity? (Supportive=not firing him). Because this is one of the main reason many people stay addicts. They fear the period during/after detox, when they'll be unable to function well. Fear losing their jobs and their homes.
They usually spiral out of control eventually, unable to keep functioning under all the pressures of life and addiction.
So...there ya go. Any questions? :)
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