The Workplace as a “Co-Therapist”

Background: Alcohol consumption is widespread among Norwegian employees. More than 15% has an AUDIT score indicating risky alcohol use with potential negative consequences and/or potentially addictive behavior. This presents an opportunity for workplaces to act as arena for preventing, handling and addressing problematic use of alcohol, as well as drugs and gambling behaviors. Workplaces serve as social environments where early signs of problematic use and addiction can be detected, and individuals can be supported and offered help. Work affiliation often motivates employees to seek help, yet involving their workplace in their recovery can be challenging due to fear, shame, and other barriers. There exists a disconnect between expected and actual treatment outcomes, highlighting the need for employers to implement more effective interventions. This requires therapists to enhance their collaborative roles with workplaces and occupational health services, ensuring their expertise is utilized effectively in supporting employees with addiction issues within their professional context.

Objective: Akan – The Norwegian Workplace Advisory Centre for Drug and Addiction problems, initiated a project exploring strategies for employers to reduce employee dropout if developed addictive behavior, and the critical role therapists play in facilitating employer-employee/patient interactions. It aims to strengthen the synergy between the patient, their employer, and the therapist, enabling the employee to continue working during treatment as part of their rehabilitation. Further, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has interviewed employees who has received support from their employers and treatment, to learn from their experiences and to understand how employees across different industries manage the challenges related to addiction issues while maintaining their employment. 

Methods: The project involves interviews with 13 therapists from 6 different treatment institutions. The aim was to develop tools and training programs for therapists, enhancing their role in integrating patients' workplaces into the treatment process. 

Conclusion: To foster a good collaboration between patients, employers/leaders, and therapists regarding substance abuse issues in the workplace, it's crucial to understand the requirements associated with each of these three actors:Patients must feel safe enough to be open about their substance abuse issues for seeking and receiving help. Employers and leaders need knowledge about substance dependency and treatment.

Therapists framework conditions at the respective institution are important for a good collaboration. Flexibility and leeway to customize treatment to the individual's needs, while coordinating with the workplace, are crucial.

The session will present findings from the interviews and offer recommendations for prevention practices in Norwegian workplaces. The presentation will also build on the findings from the survey conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.