Intervening in substance abuse and raising the issue
Substance abuse impairs the employee’s work ability and, thereby, their work performance and increases the risk of accidents. Therefore, it must be addressed as soon as the problem is detected. If the substance abuse problem continues at the workplace, it also results in problems in the work community, conflict situations and a deterioration of the atmosphere at work. This reduces the productivity of the work and creates an additional load on other employees.
Intervening in the observed substance abuse problem at the workplace is part of the workplace’s work on well-being at work and occupational safety. The workplace should have clear procedures for addressing substance abuse-related problems. The procedures are described in the workplace substance abuse programme. The substance abuse problem is addressed as required by the situation in accordance with the substance abuse programme.
It is important that everyone knows how to act in situations related to substance abuse problems. In particular, the systematic and continuous training of supervisors in operating methods is important, but other personnel must also be aware of the operating methods. Awareness of operating methods lowers the threshold for intervention.
The employer has the right and obligation to intervene in situations that impair work or the functioning of the work community. If the substance abuse problem persists, it affects the entire work community and is, therefore, not a private matter. The responsibility for occupational safety lies with the employer, and the primary responsibility for intervening in substance abuse-related problems lies with the supervisors as the employer’s representatives.
Every employee also has the responsibility to speak up if they suspect that their colleague has a substance abuse problem. It is, therefore, important that everyone is aware of the operating methods and that they are reviewed periodically, for example, in joint meetings. Observations can also be discussed with the supervisor, shop steward or occupational safety officer. You can also get support from occupational health care. There may also be a substance abuse contact person at the workplace, whom the supervisors, colleagues, occupational safety officer or shop steward can contact at a low threshold.
The treatment of a substance abuse problem is corrective action, and the aim is to raise the issue as early as possible.
Early intervention
Through active intervention, problematic substance use and its progression can be influenced at the workplace. The earlier the situation is addressed, the better results can generally be achieved. When raising substance abuse issues, it is important that there is a confidential atmosphere in the work community. Trust is built in a psychologically safe working environment. Working Together: A Handbook focuses on building psychological safety.
Early intervention follows the principles of early support at the workplace. Raising the issue is the first step in early intervention. If there is no complete certainty about substance abuse, the situation should be addressed as a problem of work performance or work ability.
It should be noted that it is not the responsibility of the supervisors to treat the substance abuse problem; they will only raise the issue and act in accordance with the workplace’s substance abuse programme.
Raising the topic
Talking about substance abuse requires courage and interpersonal skills from both the employee and supervisor. The early intervention model is an effective way to address challenges and problems in the workplace before they become more serious. The model needs clear and understandable instructions as well as clear communication that its purpose is to support all employees and promote well-being at the workplace.
Preventive work is important. The majority of people who are problematic drinkers, drug users or gamblers never seek out substance abuse services. Talking about substance abuse can open up a topic that the person may have long wanted to talk about but has not dared to do so before.
Talking about substance abuse should not be directed at any one person and should carry no presuppositions. Asking and talking about drugs and addictions should be as normal as discussing matters affecting lifestyle and well-being. Health care professionals systematically and regularly discuss the topic of drugs, which is particularly effective. In health meetings, people are more receptive to talking about their own health and behaviour than in other contexts. It is worthwhile bringing up substance use even if there is no evidence of risk use of substances or if people do not want to discuss the topic. In general, raising the topic can increase the person’s probability of self-reflection on their substance use later.