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 others. 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
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