What is the occupational prevention of addictive disorders?

Addictions are among the most widespread diseases in practically all societies and cultures, For this reason, for many decades now, everything possible has been investigated regarding these alterations of the Health.

In fact, the difference between knowing or not knowing the mechanisms behind addictive disorders can mean the difference between facing a very serious social and health crisis or not.

In this sense, one of the first findings made through these investigations is that the prevention is as or more beneficial than the ability to treat addictions once they have consolidated. And intervention in work areas such as companies and organizations of all kinds is key to this. Let's see, then, what it consists of occupational prevention of addictive disorders.

• Related article: "Psychology of work and organizations: a profession with a future"

What are Addiction Prevention Plans?

As the world rapidly transforms through technological and economic changes in a matter of a few years, addictions are taking new forms and diversifying.

Therefore, knowing how to anticipate its effects is key, especially considering that the treatment is a long and very complex process, that Relapses are frequent, and even those who have overcome an addiction should continue to take steps to avoid relapses for the remainder of the life. her life.

Occupational prevention of addictions implies not overlooking that addictive disorders often arise through of poor management of emotions and work routines, and that even if they have their main cause outside of work, the company has the resources to act in time and avoid the consolidation of the disease.

Since 2008, the World Health Organization has proposed a healthy business model that incorporates, among other things, protocols and measures for the prevention of drug use among the workers. This arises from the idea that since the work context is one of the spaces in which employees spend more hours throughout the week, it is important not only to take advantage of the potential of organizations to design and implement health programs, but it is also key to prevent the performance of the work from giving rise to the development of disorders addictive.

However, many companies do not have a department associated with the Human Resources field capable of creating and apply this type of measures, so it is very common for them to hire the services of psychologists and / or health centers in general. In this sense, many professionals who are experts in addiction treatment develop Plans of Prevention of Addictions adapted to the needs and particularities of each company that requests.

This area of ​​work is related to Corporate Social Responsibility and the prevention of occupational risks. That is, on the one hand, the Addiction Prevention Plans applied by companies have a positive impact on society in general, and on the other, they help to create a good working environment and minimize the chances of illnesses arising from the activity professional.

And of course, these measures help to maintain good working conditions in general, so that performance and efficiency problems are prevented. Therefore, they provide benefits that are noticeable inside and outside the walls of the company.

• You may be interested in: "What are the symptoms of addictions?"

Functions and processes of the occupational prevention of addictive disorders

Although each organization designs addiction prevention protocols adjusting them to its characteristics, company philosophy and main sources of risk, in general the following areas of intervention stand out:

• Information courses and protocols to detect symptoms and routines associated with addiction

• Information sessions for senior and intermediate positions, on how to detect sources of risk

• Possibility of making inquiries ensuring the confidentiality of the information shared

• Possibility of going to psychotherapy if necessary

• Training in techniques and strategies to manage stress as an alternative to drug use relief

• Advice to the management of the company about work dynamics that promote the prevention of addictions

• Related article: "The importance of social skills to overcome addictions"

Are you looking for psychology services in the prevention or treatment of addictions?

If you want to have the support of a team of professionals who are experts in intervention against addictive disorders, get in touch with us.

On Llaurant la Llum We have health experts specialized in addictions who intervene both from the field of psychotherapy and from that of medicine and wellness. In addition to offering outpatient and admissions treatment in our residential module, we also We work for several companies giving training courses for employees, even preparing Plans from

Prevention of Addictions in the workplace. You can find us in our health center located in Picassent (Valencia) or we can offer you our services online.