Addiction is a serious mental illness that has a devastating impact on people’s lives. Everybody knows somebody impacted by addiction, at home, in families, or work. This is why it is important that employers start to consider employees who may be impacted.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in December 2023 estimated that approximately 3.1 million people reported using a drug in the last 12 months, 2.5 million people reported using cannabis and around 1.1 million people reported using Class A drugs.
Alcohol-related and drug-related deaths have continued to increase in England and Wales. According to statistics released by the ONS in the same month, there were 4,907 deaths related to drug poisoning registered in 2022, which is the highest number since records began in 1993 and 1% higher than in 2021.
Statistics from Gov.uk in January 2023 revealed that around 0.5% of the adult English population experience problem gambling, 3.8% are at elevated risk of gambling harms, and an estimated 7% of the British population are negatively affected by someone else’s gambling.
We all know stories of friends, neighbours, work colleagues and family members who have lived with or been affected by addiction. Yet, despite this, when addiction touches people in a directly personal way, people find it difficult, almost impossible at times, to find ways to talk about their experiences.
There is a lot that employers can do to support someone who could be struggling. They can provide information on how employees can access support and training for managers on how to respond if staff are experiencing addiction. They should create a safe space so that people feel able to talk.
Promoting weeks such as Addiction Awareness Week (30 November – 7 December 2024) help to lift the shame people experience and make it okay for them to share stories and ask for support.
By opening up avenues for wellbeing communication, employers can strip away the stigma that stops people getting help sooner, impacting their careers and personal lives. This can help make problems with drugs, alcohol, gambling, or any form of addiction the same as opening up about mental health.
Sign up to our newsletters
Receive news and guidance on a range of HR issues direct to your inbox
The Taking Action on Addiction campaign website has advice and signposting; it can be a good place to start that journey with staff. The campaign works to challenge the misunderstanding and prejudice that surrounds addiction and stops people getting help.
Sally Benton is executive director of communications and fundraising at Forward Trust, an organisation that offers services to support those with addictions