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Healthy workplaces: Support for addiction recovery through a Pacific lens

Year:
2025
Duration:
3 months
Approved budget:
$7,500.00
Researchers:
Ms Beatrice Hessell
,
Dr Troy Ruhe
,
Professor Rosalina Richards
Host:
University of Otago
Health issue:
Addiction (alcohol/drugs/gambling/smoking)
Proposal type:
Pacific Health Summer Studentship
Lay summary
Pacific peoples are over-represented in experience of addictive behaviours, including gambling and alcohol. One of the spaces where addiction is likely to become obvious is the workplace. When a staff member has issues of addiction it can impact on work performance, safety of colleagues and customers, or drive behaviours such as workplace theft. Workplaces have a responsibility for the health and wellbeing of their staff, such as providing supports for addiction. The proposed project is a literature review of workplace provision of support for staff experiencing addiction. This may include options for early detection, for example, through workplace drug testing, provision of counselling for those who disclose issues and, where appropriate, support to integrate back into their role.