
SUBSTANCE USE, ADDICTION, AND THE WORKPLACE
In last year's UN Global Health and Well-Being Survey, 9% of respondents reported hazardous levels of alcohol consumption. For men, hazardous drinking is defined as consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week, and for women consuming more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week. But beware: “One drink" in the medical sense is much less than commonly assumed! “One drink" is defined as 350ml (12 oz) of beer, 150ml (5 oz) of wine, or 44ml (1.5 oz) of distilled spirits. As substance use is a highly delicate and private topic, it is possible that the true percentage of risky drinkers is significantly higher than 9%.
According to UNODC's 2021 World Drug Report, an estimated 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders. The number of substance users has increased by 22% since 2010 to 275 million people worldwide and is expected to further increase by 11% globally, in some places as much as 40% over the coming decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has been directly associated with a global increase in cannabis and prescription sedatives consumption, due to an increase in anxiety, stress, isolation, loneliness, depression, and boredom according to the Global Drug Survey 2020.
If you are worried about your substance use getting too much or out of your control, or people in your environment have voiced concerns about your drinking or substance use, please don't hesitate to confidentially contact your agency's staff counsellor (contact information under your agency's tab on the right side of this page).
Understanding the Effects of Drinking Alcohol:
Alcohol and Stress:
Anyone consuming alcohol in the workplace is statistically more likely to have or cause accidents, such as trips, slips, and falls, and are more likely to make mistakes. Alcohol consumption makes poor choice of words and behaviours more likely, hence increases the risk of harassment and misconduct in the workplace, and negatively affects performance outcomes.
Overall health outcomes of long-term hazardous alcohol use are “High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum. Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. Learning and memory problems, including dementia" (CDC, 2022)
The most important message of the event is: Any hazardous drinking and addiction have valid personal reasons and must be considered mental health conditions deserving to be treated without any judgement, but rather all understanding and support that can be offered from within and outside the organization.
Substance Use, Addiction, and the Workplace - Webinar Part 1: Alcohol
After welcoming remarks by Medical Director Dr. Matthias Lademann, the VIC Staff Counsellors Ms Patience Gebauer (UNOV/UNODC) and Ms Johanna Schubert (IAEA) will provide information on the distinction between moderate vs. hazardous drinking and addiction, as well as on available support options to review your consumption and get assistance on how to help yourself, a colleague, a supervisor, or those you supervise. Session participants will not be able to see each other, questions can be anonymous.
World Health Organization Factsheet: Alcohol

Strategies to Cut Down on Alcohol
International Organization for Migration, Staff Welfare Office: "Addictions"
See Below For More Resources:
Naked Mind Website
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