Director Addiction NI Addicted at Work -What is the problem? - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

• Dr. Claire Armstrong

Director Addiction NI

Addicted at Work

• What is the problem?
• What can be done to address it?

About Addiction NI

• Established as a charity in 1978
• Leading expert in alcohol & drug

treatment, advice & support

• Around 2,000 people helped every

year

Historically Two Groups

Now Addiction seen as Continuum

Alcohol-Attitudinal Barriers

“He‟s suffering from alcoholism” “He‟s suffering from cocaineism” “She‟s got cannabis-ism-I think it‟s a gene

Substance Misuse-What’s the problem?

Alcohol Illegal Drugs Over the counter drugs Prescribed drugs Solvents „Legal Highs‟

Other Problems with links to addictive behaviour:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Eating Disorders

Other Addictions

Gambling Online Gaming, Video & Computer games

Aspects of Addiction

• Lack of control
• Neglecting other areas of life
• Defensiveness & denial
• Misuse of money
• Mood swings
• Impact on family life

(Source-Symptoms of Computer Game Addiction)

Psychology of Addiction

• Cognitive & Behavioural Aspects
• Social Learning Theory
• Psychodynamics
• Self Medication Hypothesis
• Family & Systemic Aspects

Alcohol-is the problem getting worse?

No.1 risk factor in the world for ill health & premature death in 25-59 year olds

(Sept. 2011- Science Group of the European Alcohol & Health Forum)

Other Risk Factors for ill Health & Premature Death

• Smoking (No.6 Risk)
• Drug Misuse (No.19 Risk)

Spending by NHS on treatment for substance misuse

Drug Misuse- £1,800 per patient Alcohol Misuse- £197 per patient

Alcohol in Northern Ireland

• Alcohol 62% cheaper than it was 30

years ago

• Alcohol related deaths doubled in the

last 15 years

• Deaths from liver disease doubled in

the last 10 years

Alcohol in Northern Ireland

• Mental or behavioural disorders due to

alcohol have increased by 53% in the last 10 years

• Alcohol a factor in 44% of arrests

made in 1 year

Cost of Alcohol Misuse in Northern Ireland

Healthcare- £130 million Social care- £54 million Fire & Police- £230 million Courts & Prisons- £85 million Total- approx £700 million a year

Annual Cost of Alcohol Misuse in wider NI Economy

£201 million Annual cost for alcohol related absenteeism £33 million Annual cost for alcohol related presenteeism £77.5 million

(DHSSPS 2009)

Which Workers are at most Risk from Alcohol Related Harm?

First Assesment-1895 Publicans 6x more likely to die from alcohol related cause

2007- Men aged 20-64

1.Publicans & bar staff in licensed premises 2.Sea farers, sailors & boat operatives 3.Butchers 4.Labourers in building & woodwork

2007-Women aged 20-64

1.Publicans & bar staff 2.Hairdressers 3.Clerical Officers 4.Waitresses

Employee has alcohol or drug problem-why not just dismiss?

Costs to recruit & train Loss of experience Opportunity to intervene is lost

Why have an Alcohol & Drug Workplace Policy?

Sets framework for dealing with issue Top level commitment Not just a HR policy

Workplace Policy

An effective policy should clarify an employer‟s legitimate interest in an employee‟s life outside work when it affects their performance, health & safety & that of

• thers.

Be a clear statement of intent agreed by employers, unions & staff representatives

Policy Implementation Training is key at all Levels

Good policies CAN be misinterpreted

Policy should contain:

• Commitment to support & help
• Treat as a health issue

Should the policy cover drug testing?

Should be a part of broader Alcohol & Drug Policy Must have consent of employee

Addiction NI’s Experience: Case Study 1

Good Policy, Poor Implementation

Addiction NI’s Expereince Case Study 2

Jim‟s Story

Addiction NI’s Workplace Service

25 years experience with public & private sector Training & awareness on policy & Alcohol & Drugs

Specialist Counselling Service

Professional & experienced therapists Prompt weekly appointments Progress reports shared with employer

Thank you! Any Questions? www.addictioni.com