Working under the Influence

Nina Chambers and Wendy Williams from the ESS team

Did you know that up to one million people go to work every day under the influence of some substance misuse?

An innovative new service is offering one-to-one support and motivational sessions for those who are concerned that their drinking or recreational drug use which is affecting their ability or attendance at work. The Employment Support Service (ESS) launched last year is a free and confidential service that aims to address substance misuse issues which can also include prescription medication before it turns into a major problem that can lead to someone losing their job. This new service is available to people working within Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey. It is also available to anyone third party i.e. someone taking time off sick to look after a friend/relative who has a substance misuse issue.

Julie Davies, a therapeutic intervention worker for the new Employment Support Scheme explains that;

‘There is a general misconception that only ‘alcoholics’ or ‘drug addicts’ need help.  If drinking or drug use is starting, or could start, to affect your health, relationships or employment, it is a problem and it is better to get help sooner rather than later.  Many people only seek help when the problem is so severe that it is obviously affecting their health, or they have lost their job, their partner or access to their children.’

People with drug and alcohol problems come in all shapes and sizes and from all social backgrounds.  Anybody, regardless of gender, class, ethnicity or any other social variable, may be a ‘problem’ drinker or drug user. If you asked for help from the Employment Support Service your employer will not be informed and any sessions attended will be kept to the highest levels of confidentiality.  

For more information about the Employment Support Service please call Claire on 07795 484 115 or visit www.cais.co.uk/ess