Summer often means a break from everyday routines. The holiday provides an opportunity for recovery, but for many it also means changed drinking habits, less structure and an increased risk of higher than planned consumption.
As autumn approaches, most people return to work, school and everyday life. It is also a time when many people start to reflect on their habits. Maybe you had more glasses of wine than you intended. Maybe you are feeling tired, sleep less well or your motivation is not quite back. For some it is temporary, but for others the summer may have been the start of a risky habit.
That’s why late summer is an important opportunity to reach out to people who need support.
Research shows that early intervention has a significantly greater effect than waiting until the problems have become widespread. When work, family and social relationships are still functioning, there are often good opportunities to break a negative trend.
This applies not least in working life. In its guidelines for occupational health care, the Swedish Work Environment Authority highlights the importance of working preventively with alcohol issues through clear routines, early discussions and close cooperation between employers and occupational health.
The same message is conveyed by Finnish addiction doctor Kaarlo Simojoki. He believes that we need to focus on people who still have a job, family and a functioning everyday life, but where alcohol is gradually starting to take a bigger place. For them, early support can make a big difference – before the problems have had time to affect their health, relationships or ability to work. It is not about looking for addiction. It is about daring to notice changes, asking questions and offering support at an early stage. Finland has approved changes to the alcohol law that make alcohol more accessible through home delivery, clearer rules for distance sales and extended opening hours for Alko.
Digital tools can be a valuable complement to this work. Through regular drug screening, monitoring of alcohol use and dialogue, it becomes easier to identify changing habits over time and provide support when it is needed most.
When the summer is over, there is therefore an opportunity – not only to return to everyday life, but also to stop and reflect. For employers, occupational health care and addiction care, autumn can be the right time to catch those who need support before small signals develop into larger problems.
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