addictions and substance abuse in the canadian workplace november 2013

Addictions and substance abuse in the Canadian workplace

by Toronto Training and HR

November 2013

CONTENTS5-6 Definitions7-8 The multi-dimensional problem9-11 Substance abuse12-13 Responsibility of managers14-15 Impact on co-workers16-17 Prevention18-19 Treatment20-21 Recovery22-23 Dependence24-25 Types of addiction26-27 Alcohol and drugs in Canada28-29 Helping employees with a drink problem30-31 Testing policies32-33 Drug tests34-35 Drill36-43 Gambling44-48 Internet addiction49 Example policy50-51 Conclusion and questions

Introduction

Introduction to Toronto Training and HR

Toronto Training and HR is a specialist training and human resources consultancy headed by Timothy Holden 10 years in banking10 years in training and human resourcesFreelance practitioner since 2006The core services provided by Toronto Training and HR are:

Training event designTraining event deliveryReducing costs, saving time plus improving employee engagement and moraleServices for job seekers

Definitions

Definitions• Substance abuse• Addictions• Gambling addiction• Internet addiction

The multi-dimensional problem

The multi-dimensional problem

• Behavioural• Emotional• Physical

Substance abuse

Substance abuse 1 of 2

• Commonly abused substances

• Types of harm that can result

• Performance indicators of a substance abuser

• Behaviours of a substance abuser

• Assessing the workplace• Developing a substance

abuse workplace committee

• Designing a substance abuse policy

Substance abuse 2 of 2

• Training managers• Educating employees• Responding to a crisis• Types of help• Referring the troubled

employee to get help• Return to work meetings

after absence• An effective return to work

program

Responsibility of managers

Responsibility of managers

• Responsible for• NOT responsible for• Legally sensitive areas• Tell-tale signs• Confidentiality• Traps• Employee one-on-ones

Impact on co-workers

Impact on co-workers

• Performance and attitudes negatively affected

• Reported being put in danger

• Have been injured• Worked harder• Must re-do work• Cover for a co-worker

Prevention

Prevention

• Education• Confidential screening• Referrals• Confidential follow-up care• Wellness programs• Policies and testing• Employee Assistance

Programs

Treatment

Treatment

• Transition• Stabilization• Early recovery• Middle recovery• Late recovery• Maintenance

Recovery

Recovery

• Inpatient care• Residential treatment

programs• Intensive outpatient care• Outpatient care• Community support

programs

Dependence

Dependence

• Psychological• Physical

Types of addiction

Types of addiction

• Chronic• Progressive• Primary• Fatal

Alcohol and drugs in Canada

Alcohol and drugs in Canada

• Alcohol• Drugs

Helping employees with a drink problem

Helping employees with a drink employee

• Triggers• Identify the stimulus• Alcohol-free alternatives• A plan to deal with the

issue

Testing policies

Testing policies

• Is it legal?• Questions to ask• Evaluating the reasonable

necessity of testing• Court case testing

guidelines• Communications, Energy

and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Local 30 v. Irving Pulp & Paper Ltd

Drug tests

Drug tests

• Typical questions• Key statistics• Pre-hire testing• Post-hire testing• Contract employees• Interpreting results• Dilute specimens

Gambling

Gambling 1 of 7

• History of gambling• Situational and structural

characteristics• Pathological gambling• The prevalence of problems• What employers can do • Metaphor-chronic disease• Public health model• The impact of technology

Gambling 2 of 7THE GROWTH OF ONLINE GAMBLING• Many Governments appear

to be fixated on revenue raising via gambling

• Online gaming providers appear to be using every marketing tool to increase revenue

• Global gambling has grown substantially in the last ten years

Gambling 3 of 7THE GROWTH OF ONLINE GAMBLING (CONTINUED)• There appears to be a global

expansion strategy, particularly casino gambling

• Technology is providing 'convenience‘ gambling

• Technology may be making gambling more socially acceptable to traditional low frequency gamblers (e.g., women, retired people, etc.).

Gambling 4 of 7RISK FACTORS FOR PROBLEM GAMBLING• Gender• Interest in gambling• Ambition to get rich• Distorted cognitions about

gambling skills and knowledge• Relying on loans • Denial of gambling problems• Limited entertainment options

Gambling 5 of 7RISK FACTORS FOR PROBLEM GAMBLING (CONTINUED)• Shift work led to social isolation• Access to gambling and loans• Exposure to gambling• Influence of gambling

promotions• Influence of gambling

colleagues

Gambling 6 of 7WARNING SIGNS• Work performance deteriorates-

the person is preoccupied or has trouble concentrating, is absent or late for meetings and misses deadlines

• Frequent unexplained absences or disappearances from work

• Eager to organize and participate in betting opportunities

• Pay is requested in lieu of vacation time-large blocks of vacation time are not taken

• Complains about mounting debts

Gambling 7 of 7WARNING SIGNS (CONTINUED)• Excessive use of the telephone

for personal calls• Experiences mood swings, often

related to winning and losing streaks

• Credit card or loan bills are mailed to work rather than home

• Increasingly spends more time gambling during lunch hours and coffee breaks

• False claims are made against expense accounts

• Theft of company property

Internet addiction

Internet addiction 1 of 4QUESTIONS TO ASK • Do you feel preoccupied with

the Internet (think about previous online activity or anticipate your next online session)?

• Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?

• Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?

Internet addiction 2 of 4

QUESTIONS TO ASK (CONTINUED) • Do you feel restless, moody,

depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?

• Do you stay online longer than originally intended?

• Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, education or career opportunity because of the Internet?


QUESTIONS TO ASK (CONTINUED) • Have you lied to family

members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?

• Do you use the Internet as away of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphonic mood (e.g. feelings of helpless-ness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?


• Tips to deal with an addiction to the internet

Example policy

Conclusion and questions

Conclusion and questionsSummaryVideosQuestions

addictions and substance abuse in the canadian workplace november 2013

Business

gambling skills

gambling ambition

problem gambling gender

growth of online gambling

revenue global gambling

casino gambling technology

substance abuse policy

training managers