"There is still a distorted perception of alcohol use and users" – Losses of up to 5 billion euros annually

Problems related to alcohol and other intoxicants in working life are less often seen as drunken staggering, but more often as exhaustion, illness, and mood swings.

Chief Physician Kaarlo Simojoki of Mehiläinen's substance abuse services reminds that the use of intoxicants is not a problem for a few unfortunate individuals, but an invisible risk for many work communities.

"We still have a distorted perception of alcohol use and users, thinking that you either drink moderately or you are an alcoholic. In reality, most problems arise in between," states Kaarlo Simojoki, Chief Physician of Mehiläinen's substance abuse services.

Simojoki has worked in substance abuse treatment for over 25 years and is now, at Mehiläinen, building an integrated substance abuse service package tailored to the needs of working life. In his work, he increasingly encounters experts living through their busiest years, who do not have a traditionally perceived "problem," but whose use of intoxicants strongly affects their energy levels, work ability, and health, as well as their work community and close circle.

Risky use is not always visible, nor does it depend on status

Chief Physician Kaarlo Simojoki of Mehiläinen's substance abuse services reminds that the use of intoxicants is not a problem for a few unfortunate individuals, but an invisible risk for many work communities. In Finland, up to half a million people drink in a way that is considered a health risk. This does not mean being rowdy, but often continuous use rooted in daily routines: evening wine for recovery, weekend relaxation, or an efficiency boost amidst busyness.

"Many think that 'as long as I do my job, this is nobody's business.' But work ability deteriorates sooner or later. Sleep quality suffers, mood declines, and morbidity increases," Simojoki says.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)* estimates that alcohol alone reduces Finland's gross domestic product by up to 5 billion euros annually. Based on current consumption levels, excessive alcohol use (over 1–1.5 units per day) causes illnesses and injuries in Finland, the treatment costs of which account for approximately 4% of health expenditures. At the same time, labor productivity decreases. As a result, the gross domestic product remains on average 2.3% lower. And because alcohol use is linked to, among other things, depression, overweight, diabetes, and cancer, the total costs are even greater.

Substance abuse problems are still easily associated with marginalization or "weak character." In reality, they also affect well-educated, high-ranking working individuals.

"Many think that as long as I do my job, this is nobody's business. But work ability deteriorates sooner or later. Sleep quality suffers, mood declines, and morbidity increases," Simojoki says.

Addiction is not a lack of backbone, but a disease that can develop in anyone when the use of substances continues long enough. And as with other diseases, the earlier it is addressed, the better the prognosis.

Company culture supports or exacerbates the problem

According to Simojoki, a Stone Age-like dichotomy still exists in the Finnish substance abuse discussion.

"We talk about alcoholics and addictions, not about those who cause the greatest costs and human harm. This group is the one that drinks regularly, but not clearly to the point of being a problem. Yet."

Company culture is a key factor in the use of intoxicants. Studies show that the more permissive the attitude towards alcohol, the more likely its use is. Poor leadership, high workload, and stress also increase risks. He calls for responsible communication and example from management. Word choices and an atmosphere that encourages discussion are of great importance.

"There are companies where management posts pictures on social media of planning meetings with a glass of wine, and at the same time, workers are reprimanded for alcohol consumption. This creates injustice and weakens the possibilities for change," Simojoki says.

Simojoki hopes that Finnish working life would be able to discuss intoxicants with the same openness as other health risks, so that treatment would be sought before the problem becomes large. By then, jobs and family relationships may already have been lost.

"Intoxicants cause immense human tragedy, but also significant national economic losses."

Towards a new kind of working life culture

How can a company strengthen a harmless substance abuse culture? Read Simojoki's recommendations:

• Integrate substance abuse issues into work ability management: issues are not resolved by reinforcing stigma, but with compassion and openness. It is time to include substance abuse discourse in how we talk about work ability, leadership, and well-being.
• Update the substance abuse program and terminology: for example, talk about well-being, not about getting caught.
• Train supervisors to identify changes and ask in the right way.
• Offer help in time, with a low threshold, not only in a crisis situation.
• Integrate substance abuse services as part of occupational health, even with just conversational support.
• Include intoxicants as part of risk assessment and the development of occupational safety.

Mehiläinen has developed a new type of service for substance abuse treatment for working-age individuals

According to Simojoki, occupational health could at its best be a low-threshold channel where substance abuse problems can be addressed early before problems accumulate and become more complex. Even a few counseling sessions can be enough if treatment is accessed in time.

"In Finland, there has not previously been a model where substance abuse services integrated into occupational health care are so easily accessible to working-age individuals. Mehiläinen wanted to start building this from scratch, and it has been an exceptionally significant project professionally for me as well," Simojoki says.

Mehiläinen is one of the first operators to systematically build substance abuse treatment as part of working life services. The goal is to offer low-threshold conversational support, early intervention, and, if necessary, longer-term goal-oriented treatment in the same way as any other area of health is treated. Treatment goes hand in hand with other work ability and health status monitoring, which makes the overall process smoother for both the client and the employer.

Expert in the article: Kaarlo Simojoki, Chief Physician of Mehiläinen's substance abuse services.

*OECD Preventing Harmful Alcohol UseExternal link