Webinar Recording: Addiction in the Workplace-Addiction in the Workplace

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the video transcript, Dr. Stephen Mandel and a panel of experts address the issue of addiction as a healthcare crisis, particularly focusing on the impact of addiction on individuals in the workplace. They discuss various categories of addiction, including prescription drugs, illegal drugs, over-the-counter medications, and alcoholism. The panel raises awareness about the acute and chronic consequences of addiction, such as stroke, seizures, and death. They also highlight the statistics on overdose deaths and near-fatal overdoses in the United States and emphasize the urgent need for action to address addiction. The panel emphasizes the importance of starting discussions about addiction with fellow clinicians and care providers to benefit patients. They also discuss critical questions to ask patients or care providers, how different specialties are needed for addiction care, and the role of occupational health in facilitating a return to work for individuals recovering from addiction. Additionally, they stress the importance of compassion, cultural competency, and evidence-based care in addressing addiction and promoting recovery. The panel also touches on the challenges in addressing addiction in the workplace, providing accommodations, utilizing drug assessment tools, and managing legalized marijuana use in the workplace. They advocate for a collaborative and proactive approach involving education, prevention, and intervention to address addiction and support individuals in recovery.

Keywords

addiction

healthcare crisis

workplace impact

prescription drugs

illegal drugs

over-the-counter medications

alcoholism

overdose deaths

occupational health

recovery support