An addiction can be difficult to detect. Many people with an addiction go to work every day, handle their duties, and simultaneously try to hide the fact that they are struggling with an illness.
Almost one in five Swedish employees is reported to engage in risky alcohol consumption. At the same time, research shows that alcohol use is associated with a clearly increased risk of work-related accidents.
Källhänvisning: Alcohol and Alcoholism, Volume 59, Issue 6, November 2024
The early signals are often subtle.
Addiction rarely develops overnight. The change often happens gradually, and the first signs can be easy to miss.
It could be about:
- increased absence or recurring short-term absence
- impaired concentration
- mood swings or irritability
- changed behavior in the work group
- reduced performance or difficulties meeting deadlines
- fatigue and lack of recovery
Each of these signs can, of course, have other causes. However, when several changes occur simultaneously or over time, there is reason to pause and engage in a dialogue.
Taking action is about care – not control.
When a manager or colleague notices a change, raising the issue can feel difficult. Many fear doing the wrong thing or offending the person. However, failing to act can allow problems to escalate. A respectful conversation does not have to be about suspecting alcohol or drug issues; it can start with a simple question:
“We’ve noticed that you don’t seem quite yourself. How are you doing?”
Such a conversation signals care and can be the first step towards the person feeling able to say that they need support.
Addiction, a disease – not a character flaw
An important starting point is that addiction is not a matter of a lack of willpower or morality. It is a complex health condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. When the workplace views addiction as a health issue, it becomes easier to create an environment where people feel safe seeking help without fear of judgment.
Early interventions make a difference.
The earlier risky use or dependence is identified, the greater the possibility of preventing the problems from affecting health, relationships, and work ability.
Early interventions may consist of:
- open and respectful conversations
- support from occupational health services
- clear procedures and alcohol policy
- individualized treatment
- regular follow-up
When support is provided before problems become extensive, the prospects for recovery are often significantly better.
Continuity strengthens the treatment.
For people who have started treatment, the time between visits is often the most challenging. That is when everyday life needs to function and new habits need to be established.
Digital follow-up can be a valuable complement to in-person meetings by providing better continuity for both client and practitioner. Self-assessments, messages, reminders, and objective measurements can help detect changes earlier and allow support to be adjusted as needs arise.
A workplace where it is okay to ask for help
The most important thing is perhaps not detecting addiction as early as possible, but rather creating a culture where people dare to say they need help.
When managers, colleagues, and occupational health services work together based on knowledge, respect, and clear procedures, the workplace can become a place where recovery is possible, rather than a place where problems must be hidden.
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