How to prevent alcohol and gambling addiction

The workplace is a unique arena for preventing and managing problematic use of alcohol, drugs, medications, gambling, and doping substances. Most of the adult population is represented here. New people meet and cultures are formed, which in turn influences our behavior. All organizations have their own culture with shared values that contribute to achieving their goals. Furthermore, they have their own social norms that determine which attitudes and behaviors are acceptable and which are unacceptable. 

Preventive work is carried out at many levels. All employees are responsible for contributing to a drug-free and good working environment. It is the responsibility of the leaders to ensure that the employees are aware of the drug policy and that it is followed. It is also the responsibility of the leaders to talk to employees who exhibit behavior that causes concern, worry, or suspicion of underlying issues. 

When drug use and gambling habits negatively affect the work situation and relationships at work, it is no longer a private matter. The negative consequences for the workplace usually manifest as inefficiency, increased absence, and safety risks. All employees are responsible for participating in the organized HSE work in their unit. The manager is responsible for working systematically with the issue and making it known in their work environment. Through advice, courses, and internal training, UiB aims to enable leaders to early address risky drug and gambling addiction in their work environment, and employees to early raise concerns about it. 

Prevention begins with understanding UiB's policy, which facilitates a constructive drug culture. The topic must be regularly put on the agenda, and discussions must be facilitated around the unit's norms and values. The annual HSE meetings are an example of a participation arena. 

Check your gambling habits: "I gamble" | Akan.no 

How do you work preventively? Heart rate monitor | Akan.no 

How is the culture for discussing addiction? Videos | Akan.no 

Tools for addressing different dilemmas: Dilemma tool | Akan.no 

Head of the Akan Committee: Ørjan Leren

Occupational Health Service: Gunvor Røssland Landro, Occupational Health Nurse 

You can also contact the Akan Committee through: 

• Lise Engelbreth, HR-avdelingen
• Parat, Liv-Grethe Gudmundsen 
• Akademikerne, Kristian Carlos Botnen 
• NTL, Unni Lange Buanes 
• Forskerforbundet, Helge Holgersen 
• UHVO, June-Vibecke Knudtsen Indrevik