There are many reasons why an individual may become dependent on a substance – otherwise known as a substance use disorder – and many of these reasons will be covered in this webpage.
When an individual is dependent on a substance, they will continue to attempt to seek out and consume the substance on a regular basis, increasing the effects in some cases, but also adding more and more to the risks to their physical and mental health.
This can cause many issues, both to an individual’s wellbeing, but also to the wellbeing of those around them, including friends, family, and colleagues in some instances.
What causes substance abuse?
Every individual will have different reasons for turning to substance abuse, varying depending on their personal life, personal factors, and other socio-environmental factors.
In addition, no two individuals will struggle with the effects of substance abuse in the same ways. This is because every substance has different effects, and every individual will have different physiological responses to the substance within their body.
Though there may not be one specific reason why an individual turns to substance abuse, there are some common factors that may be present when an individual begins to struggle.
A couple of the most common of these reasons are listed below, specially mentioned due to their potential relevance in the workplace, as well as many other locations and situations.
1. Peer pressure
In some cases of substance abuse, it may start with an initial situation or environment in which an individual is encouraged to take a specific substance alongside their peers.
Though this may not appear to influence some people, the effect of another’s convincing may be enough for some individuals to consume a substance that they may have never previously encountered.
After this initial consumption – if the short-term effects are reacted to positively – this may make an individual more likely to seek out this substance in greater quantities or at a later date by themselves i.e., without need for encouragement by others.
2. Medical prescription
Though not as common in countries such as the UK, some other areas of the world have huge issues with the prescription of addictive substances such as opioids and other painkillers, for example.
In the US specifically, there is much research needed into the prescription of substances such as opioids for the management of pain without the risk of developing a serious addiction, sometimes requiring additional substance prescription to overcome such as the use of buprenorphine in opioid withdrawals (1).
How can substance abuse affect an individual?
If an individual does find themselves to be struggling with a substance use disorder, then there are many complications that can occur as a result of this.
Addictions can affect many different areas of an individual’s life due to this condition’s direct impacts to an individual’s physical and mental health.
Both of these types of effect can cause serious changes in an individual’s life and impact how they are able to go about their daily routines and lifestyle choices. The following subheadings outline some of these key areas of impact.
1. Social life
One of the main effects of substance abuse that many individuals struggle with is the withdrawal from society and activities that they may have previously enjoyed.
This can lead to isolation on many levels; they may begin to spend more and more time to themselves, reject help from close friends and/or family, feelings of embarrassment and secrecy surrounding their substance abuse behaviours, as well as a reduced self-esteem and associated issues (2).
As well as in an individual’s family life, this may also impact an individual’s relationships with their friends (who may or may not be willing to support them) as well as relationships in other areas of their lives such as their work life.
2. Professional life
As well as in social aspects, a substance use disorder can greatly impact an individual’s experience of work and their career.
If they are already struggling with their daily routine and tasks, then this may make their whole situation more challenging, sometimes rendering them completely unable to work, therefore impacting their financial stresses and responsibilities.
If an individual’s workplace does not have proper support or recognition for substance abuse, then there are even more additional issues that an individual can experience as a result of this.
The remainder of this web page will cover how an individual can be supported in their workplace and progress toward a heathier and more productive workforce.
Substance abuse in the workforce – strategies for assistance
An issue with providing support for substance abuse in the workplace is the secretive nature of substance abuse, meaning that many individuals may not willingly admit to struggling with substance abuse, especially to colleagues who may not be as close enough to share these types of struggles.
However, there are some steps that individuals can take in their workplace, either as an employee, or as an employer or owner. Some examples are covered in the following subheadings.
1. Occupational therapist
In many instances, workplaces are generally recommended to employ some form of therapist to help counsel the employees, as well as those higher up in the workplace.
This could be an occupational therapist, for example, as these are individuals that can come to the workplace as a full-time staff member or on a regular basis i.e., once or twice a month, to schedule meetings with those who need it.
By providing this type of support in a workplace, an individual can speak to a professional about their issues in a confidential environment, meaning that they can share how they feel and receive support and next steps concerning their performance at work as well as potential need for substance detox or rehab.
2. Staff meetings and workshops
As a more in-house option, an employer or manager may choose to organise or lead workshops and meetings in regard to substance abuse, how it may affect an individual in the workplace, as well as how they may seek support.
Though this does not have to be focussed on a specific individual who others may suspect of struggling with a substance use disorder, this individual may still gain confidence and feelings of being heard at the workplace, perhaps leading to a further interest in seeking rehab and feeling recognised within their place of work.
Seeking further support for substance abuse – in and out the workplace – today
Substance abuse can be a complex and challenging condition, meaning that individuals who suspect others of struggling with the condition may not feel as though they can approach the issue.
This is where it may be suitable for an individual to contact addiction referral service for further support and advice regarding addiction, the effects, potential detox options, and rehab sources.
In all cases of emergency and threat to an individual’s life, the emergency services should be contacted as soon as possible.
References
[1] Ling, W., Mooney, L. and Hillhouse, M., 2011. Prescription opioid abuse, pain and addiction: clinical issues and implications. Drug and alcohol review, 30(3), pp.300-305.
[2] Ersöğütçü, F. and Karakaş, S.A., 2016. Social functioning and self-esteem of substance abuse patients. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 30(5), pp.587-592.