Addiction and the Workplace

ADDICTIONWORK PLACE It is estimated that more than 2 million people in the UK have an addiction to some form of substance or activity - so in the workplace you are very likely to work with someone with an addiction at some stage. Addictions in Numbers in the UK 2.9 million use illegal drugs in the UK 2.2% of 15-64 year olds use cocaine (1.5m) 2.9 million people are Harmful drinkers 6.8% of 15-64 year olds use cannabis (4.3m) 6% of the population experience sex addiction 1.5million addicted to prescription medication 1.6 million alcohol dependent 4 in 100 women are dependent on alcohol 9 in 100 men are dependent on alcohol Drugs & Alcohol in the Workplace Estimated 1 Million UK employees at work with drugs in their system (including Cannabis, Opiates and Cocaine) 15% of UK employees who been drunk work 200,000 PEOPLE going to work in the UK with a hangover WHICH PROFESSIONS ARE AT RISK? 7% Doctors and Dentists will have been addicted to drink or drugs or both in their career 15-24% of Lawyers will suffer from alcoholism during their career lin 7 workers in the Construction and Mining industry have a problem with alcohol 10% in the Retail, Leisure & Hospitality sector have a problem with alcohol 15% of City Professionals Suffering from Alcohol or Drug Dependence 500 100,000 OUT OF National statistics based on a community of 100,000 demonstrate the following results if applied to a work place of 500 people. will be admitteded condition during their lives will be showing alcobel so dence to hospital Over 3 10 people will be moderately or 16 could have drugs in the system 11 could be using 10 could be addicted cocaine to prescription drugs 75 will have been drunk while at work Over 65 people will binge-drink A Quarter of the accidents 6 will at some point at work will be drink-related have a sex addiction The Impact of Alcohol & Drug Dependency at Work 27% of employers say drug misuse is a problem at work 60% of employers say they have experienced problems due to staff drinking 31 GUUUH £6.4 billion 14 billion days are lost due to poor productivity and absenteeism is the annual cost to economy RECOGNISING THE SIGNS WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR? Some common signs that a colleague friend or employee might be experiencing difficulties include: Peculiar behaviour, often accompanied by plausible explanations but which leave doubt in your mind Increasing frequency and length of unexplained absences from workplace Breakdown in the employment relationship Increasing financial, marital, or other life difficulties People with addictions or dependencies are often skilled at deceit. Evasive or dishonest behaviour What should you do if you suspect someone may have a problem? Sadly addictions are common - but they are treatable and there is professional help for individuals facing problems or for employers needing help with their staff. And depending on your situation you can still continue to work while receiving treatment. Concerned about alcohol or drug dependency for yourself, a colleague, or an emplloyee? Please call Clinical Partners for professional advice and support on 0845 026 8099 For more information, please visit Clinical Partners at www.clinical-partners.co.uk Sources: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2012/jul/02/drug-use-map-world http://hr.blr.com/HR-news/Performance-Termination/Alcohol-and-Drugs-Testing/1-in-7- Construction-Workers-Has-Alcohol-Problem http://www.ias.org.uk/resources/factsheets/workplace.pdf with an alcohol-r → Over 2 esigns of severely dependent on alcohol