NG LifeMag EMAG Feb 2024 - Flipbook - Page 16
The role of the workplace
in addiction
You may not think it, but workplaces wield
signi昀椀cant in昀氀uence in individuals' lives and
can play a pivotal role in helping to address
addic琀椀on, including o昀昀ering signi昀椀cant support.
1. EARLY INTERVENTION
4. RETURN TO WORK PROGRAMS
Workplaces can provide educa琀椀on and training
to help employees recognise signs of addic琀椀on,
both in themselves and their colleagues.
Iden琀椀fying addic琀椀on early can facilitate 琀椀mely
interven琀椀on.
A昀琀er seeking treatment, employees may need
support when returning to work. Employers
can provide structured reintegra琀椀on plans
that gradually increase workloads, ensuring a
smooth transi琀椀on.
2. SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
5. PROMOTING WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Fostering a non-s琀椀gma琀椀sing atmosphere where
employees feel safe discussing their addic琀椀on
issues is essen琀椀al. Employee Assistance
Programs (EAPs) can o昀昀er con昀椀den琀椀al
counselling and support services for employees
dealing with addic琀椀on or mental health issues.
Encouraging employees to maintain a healthy
work-life balance can prevent work-related
addic琀椀on and promote overall wellbeing.
3. PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
Clear workplace policies on substance abuse,
including drug tes琀椀ng when necessary, can
serve as deterrents. Wellness programs that
address addic琀椀on preven琀椀on and stress
management are very helpful as they provide
the tools to promote wellbeing.
6. PEER SUPPORT
Establishing peer-led support groups where
employees can share experiences and o昀昀er
guidance can be invaluable.
Addiction is a complex and pervasive issue, impacting individuals in various ways.
Understanding its complexity, the role of dopamine, and the diverse types it can assume
is essential for effective intervention. Individuals grappling with addiction can employ
self-help strategies to aid their recovery journey.
Helpfully, workplaces can play a significant role in addressing addiction, fostering
awareness, providing resources and creating supportive environments that aid
individuals on their path to recovery. Collaboration at both individual and societal levels
is key to addressing addiction comprehensively and improving lives.