Substance addiction is a complex problem that involves physical, emotional and mental changes. The level of complexity is becoming more apparent all the time as health professionals use technology to prove what they have known for years: Drugs change brain functioning by altering or damaging the reward pathways. Some people can simply quit taking drugs once they decide to end their addictions. However, it is not that easy for most people because of the changes in the brain that occur with repeated substance use. They need a support system that helps them through the period in which the brain is once again rewired to function normally and response and behavioural changes are developed. This has great implications for employers who want to help their workers overcome their addictions, rather than lose trained, qualified workers who are willing to help themselves.
Most illicit drugs interfere with the brain process in which the neurotransmitter dopamine is released to produce feelings of pleasure. The purpose of the dopamine release is to promote repetition of the same type of behaviours or acts that promoted the original neurotransmitter release in the first place. Usually a dopamine release only occurs after some kind of effort. The dopamine is released, and the brain records the feel-good experience as something that promotes survival or reproduction. When workers use drugs, the brain is triggered to release a flood of dopamine despite lack of effort and cannot handle it. The dopamine receptors are overwhelmed and signal the brain to quit producing so much. At that point, dopamine is not produced in adequate quantities and drugs offer the path of least resistance to re-create the good feelings. As drugs are used over and over again, the brain is recording the feelings of satisfaction and so promotes more use.1
Workers who are addicted have set up a scenario in which conditioned learning has created habitual behaviours. That is why people can quit taking drugs and relapse years later. When prior addicts are exposed to situations similar to the ones experienced while using drugs, the conditioned response can be triggered. It is also believed that many people who relapse are sensitive to stress.
Responding the Right Way
For all of these reasons, employers who want to help employees help themselves overcome addiction must recognize that it requires a program that can help rewire the brain through behavioural and response changes to particular situations. Instead of picking up drugs or alcohol in response to a desire to experience feelings of pleasure, the worker must learn to respond in alternative ways. The employer is not a psychologist or health professional but can provide the worker a path to effectively address the many facets of drug and alcohol addiction.
Employers can help workers gain access to counsellors and treatment programs. Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) are important also because they help employees address and manage the stressors in their lives that are contributing to addictive behaviours. By combining EAPs with a supportive workplace culture which promotes peer networking to shape acceptable worker behaviours, employers can play a major role in helping employees stay away from drugs and alcohol in the workplace and in their personal lives. Of course, random drug and alcohol testing should play a central role in any effort to control workplace substance use and abuse.
Asking…and Getting…Help
Fortunately, there are indications that Australians are learning that getting help with addiction is crucial. The Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre recently reported the clinic is seeing more people for alcohol and drug abuse due to a change in attitude. That change is recognition that getting help sooner rather than later is important. 2
Workers must be willing to help themselves overcome addiction because there are so many factors involved – brain changes, stress, desire and learned behaviours. Addressing addiction requires addressing all of the factors and not just one. It has taken a lot of medical research and millions of relapses to understand exactly how complicated addiction really is as a condition. Employers can play a major role in helping workers take control of their lives by managing workplace stress, offering EAPs and enforcing workplace drug and alcohol policies. Random drug testing is a tool that helps the employer maintain a drug free workplace, while also helping employees live drug free lives.
Mediscreen (http://mediscreen.net.au/) offers onsite drug and alcohol testing. Employers can establish a random testing program and rely on Mediscreen to provide convenient and reliable services as required.
References
1 Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre and City of Melbourne Community Services Grants Program. (2007). Drugs and the Brain. Retrieved from Drug FX:http://www.drugpoint.org.au/drugs_and_their_effects/how_drugs_work/Drugs_and_the_brain.pdf
2 Demand rises for drug clinic services. (2012, October 25). Retrieved from ABC News – Australia: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-25/demand-rises-for-drug-clinic-services/4333220
