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Published: 25 June 2025

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A groundbreaking Swedish 10-year alcohol recovery study has unveiled crucial insights into the complex nature of long-term alcohol recovery. The research, which tracked 33 participants over a decade after completing alcohol treatment, challenges conventional wisdom about what successful recovery truly looks like.

Understanding Recovery Beyond Simple Definitions

The study reveals that alcohol rehabilitation isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Researchers discovered two distinct groups emerging from their decade-long follow-up: those who viewed any alcohol consumption as a relapse, and those who didn’t classify their drinking in these terms.

Participants who defined alcohol use as relapse consistently used language from 12-step programmes, describing themselves as “sober alcoholics” who must restart their sobriety count after any consumption. These individuals had developed sophisticated strategies for managing risk situations and cravings, often reporting that cravings diminished significantly over time.

Conversely, the second group described varying levels of consumption—from occasional social drinking to planned binge episodes—without viewing these as relapses. Crucially, these individuals demonstrated strong self-awareness about their drinking patterns and had developed personal management strategies throughout their recovery journey.

The Role of Self-Efficacy in Long-term Alcohol Recovery

What emerged as a critical factor was self-efficacy—an individual’s belief in their ability to manage their own behaviour. Participants with higher self-efficacy appeared better equipped to maintain positive recovery trajectories, regardless of whether they consumed alcohol.

The research suggests that those who successfully managed occasional alcohol use had developed a deep understanding of their own patterns and limitations. They recognised their “addictive personality” traits but viewed these as manageable characteristics rather than insurmountable diseases.

Time and Context Matter in Recovery

The ten-year timeframe revealed important patterns often missed in shorter studies. Many participants reported that the first five years felt stable, but new challenges emerged later. Some described needing to actively address previous issues again after years of apparent stability.

Social networks played a complex role—sometimes supporting sobriety, other times inadvertently encouraging alcohol use. The study emphasised that recovery capital, including stable housing, employment, and relationships, remained crucial throughout the process.

Rethinking Traditional Approaches to Alcohol Problems

The findings challenge the binary view of recovery that dominates many treatment programmes. Rather than viewing alcohol problems as strictly requiring lifelong abstinence, the research suggests a more nuanced understanding may be beneficial.

Participants who didn’t define their consumption as relapse often demonstrated sophisticated self-reflection about their drinking. They planned their consumption carefully, recognised their limitations, and adjusted their behaviour based on life circumstances—such as becoming parents or responding to partner concerns.

The Complexity of Cravings and Risk Management

The study revealed that cravings weren’t necessarily permanent features of recovery. Many participants reported that cravings had largely disappeared, though they remained vigilant about potential triggers throughout their recovery journey.

Risk situations varied enormously between individuals—from social gatherings to periods of stress or celebration. Those who maintained positive outcomes had developed personalised strategies for managing these situations, whether through complete avoidance or careful planning.

What This Research Means for Understanding Recovery

These findings suggest that successful long-term alcohol recovery may be more about developing robust self-awareness and management skills than adhering to rigid rules. The research indicates that individuals with strong self-efficacy can potentially navigate more flexible approaches to recovery.

However, the study also confirmed that complete abstinence remains the safer path, particularly in early recovery stages. The researchers emphasised that their findings don’t diminish the value of traditional approaches but rather highlight the complexity of recovery processes.

Supporting Recovery: Key Takeaways

The Swedish research underscores the need for continued support throughout the recovery journey, recognising that challenges can emerge even after years of stability. It suggests that alcohol rehabilitation programmes might benefit from acknowledging this complexity whilst maintaining their focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for each individual.

For those supporting someone through recovery, the study emphasises the importance of understanding that each person’s journey is unique. What matters most is developing strong self-awareness, maintaining supportive relationships, and having access to professional guidance when needed.

The insights from this decade-long study provide valuable evidence that long-term alcohol recovery is a complex, individualised process that extends far beyond simple abstinence metrics. Understanding these nuances can help both individuals and professionals approach recovery with greater flexibility and effectiveness.

(Source: WRD News)

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Prevention & Addiction Sciences – From Recovery to Prevention

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Published: 10 June 2025

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The workplace often mirrors the pressures and challenges of modern life. From late-night deadlines to after-work drinks, these stressors can often push employees towards unhealthy coping mechanisms. However, what many employers fail to realise is how significantly addiction in the workplace can impact individuals and organisations alike.

According to recent Bupa research, more than one in three workers have either witnessed or used addictive substances or behaviours during working hours. Examples range from alcohol and gambling to compulsive activities like social media scrolling or cryptocurrency trading. What’s driving this silent epidemic? Nearly half of affected employees (48%) cite stress, with many blaming company culture or work-related pressure.

Yet, despite the prevalence of workplace addiction, stigma persists. Fear of judgement or professional consequences prevents many from seeking help, making the issue even harder to address.

This article will explore the hidden toll addiction takes on workplace productivity, the barriers preventing employees from accessing support, and actionable steps organisations can take to build healthier, supportive environments.

The Link Between Workplace Stress and Addiction

Workplace culture often plays a significant role in addictions developing or intensifying. High-pressure environments, excessive workloads, or social norms normalising alcohol and substance use can create fertile ground for addiction.

Dom McGregor, co-founder of Social Chain, provides a personal account of how addiction is often intertwined with professional success. Running a fast-scaling business in his twenties, McGregor describes how alcohol became more than a social activity; it was a “performance tool” to mask anxiety, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy.

“Work drinks, client events, conferences – everything revolved around alcohol,” he recalls. “When you’re surrounded by people who treat heavy drinking as the norm, it doesn’t just seem acceptable – it seems essential. I didn’t even question it.”

After a close friend intervened, McGregor sought help and turned his life around. Now, he advocates for breaking down stigma and creating healthier office cultures. “Addiction doesn’t always look like rock bottom,” he says. “Sometimes it looks like the person who’s always on, always available, always saying yes, until they can’t anymore.”

The Cost of Ignoring Addiction in the Workplace

While the personal toll on individuals battling addiction is immeasurable, the organisational costs are equally hard to ignore. Increased absenteeism, impaired performance, and strained relationships among team members are common consequences.

Bupa’s Medical Director, Dr Robin Clark, highlights the broader impacts. “When someone is silently struggling with an addiction, it doesn’t just impact their health; it ripples across teams. It affects attendance, performance, and overall morale.”

Dr Clark also notes that Bupa has recorded over 26,000 addiction-related claims in the last five years, reflecting the growing prevalence of this issue. “Addiction is far from rare, and inaction carries a heavy price—not just in productivity but in people’s lives,” he warns.

Breaking the Stigma Around Workplace Addiction

The stigma surrounding addiction is one of the greatest barriers preventing employees from seeking help. Nearly half of workers surveyed admit they would rather hide an addiction than disclose it at work. Without an open dialogue or judgement-free support systems in place, many employees choose to suffer in silence.

What can employers do? Dr Clark says normalising conversations about addiction is vital. “It’s about embedding a culture where people feel safe enough to say, ‘I’m not okay,’ and where that’s met with support, not judgement.”

Making support more accessible is also key. Many fear the lengthy process of getting professional help via a GP, but Bupa’s mental health services eliminate this barrier by offering confidential, direct access to specialists, often within days. The quicker the intervention, the better the outcomes.

Practical Steps to Address Addiction in the Workplace

Creating a workplace environment that supports employees struggling with addiction involves more than just acknowledgement. It requires targeted action. Here are some practical strategies for businesses to consider:

1. Promote a Culture of Openness

Workplace leaders should initiate open conversations about stress, wellbeing, and addiction. Employee forums, anonymous surveys, and wellness days can encourage employees to share their experiences without judgement.

2. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources

Ensure employees can easily and confidentially access professional help and resources. Partnering with providers like Bupa, which offers direct and stigma-free access to mental health services, can make this process easier for employees.

3. Offer Preventive Training

Educate managers about the early signs of addiction and how to approach team members compassionately. Training programmes should highlight ways to identify potential red flags and intervene sensitively.

4. Develop Comprehensive Policies

Employers should develop clear policies on how addiction-related issues will be handled. A policy shouldn’t just focus on disciplinary action; it should prioritise support and rehabilitation.

5. Reassess Work Culture

Re-evaluate alcohol-centric social activities or excessive workloads that could contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Create an environment where taking breaks and disconnecting is encouraged.

Supporting Employees Through Addiction Recovery

Recovery is not just an individual process; it’s one that workplaces can actively support. Employers who prioritise health and wellbeing not only help those silently struggling, but they also cultivate a productive, loyal, and resilient workforce.

Dom McGregor puts it best when he says recovery often starts with one unjudging conversation. Employers have the power to create environments where such conversations are not the exception but the norm.

Addiction in the workplace is a challenge that can no longer be ignored. By committing to reducing stigma and offering timely support, organisations can ensure their employees are not only surviving but thriving.

Source: (WRD News)

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Published: 10 June 2025

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Why do people continue with behaviours or substances, such as alcohol or drugs, even when they openly wish to stop? This question cuts to the heart of understanding addiction. The disparity between intention and action reveals contradictions central to addiction behaviour, often oversimplified by two prevalent views.

For decades, addiction has been described through the lens of brain disease models, focusing on how substance use alters brain function to make drug use compulsive. While these models uncover meaningful insights, they are just one part of the story. On the other hand, some reduce addiction to an issue of morality or simple bad decisions, claiming people use substances solely out of selfish indulgence. Both these views highlight partial truths but fail to complete the picture.

Instead, a deeper understanding must combine these perspectives, recognising both the complex brain changes involved and the environmental and social factors that shape behaviour.

The Brain Disease Model and Its Challenges

The brain disease model, which gained prominence in addiction science, explains how repeated substance use reshapes the brain. It suggests these neuroadaptations bypass conscious decision-making, making drug use automatic and compulsive. These findings are significant, shining light on the biological basis of addiction.

However, while this perspective sought to reduce stigma by framing addiction as a medical condition, it has fallen short in key areas. Despite billion-pound neuroscience investments, few groundbreaking medications have been developed to address addiction directly. Furthermore, psychosocial interventions such as talking therapies and harm-reduction strategies remain the most effective treatments, as they target the behavioural and emotional underpinnings of addiction.

There is another ironic twist to the brain disease framework. By overly focusing on neurophysiology, the approach may inadvertently increase stigma, portraying recovery as almost impossible without medical intervention or framing individuals as irreparably damaged.

The Flaws of the “Just Say No” Mindset

Equally flawed is the notion that addiction is driven purely by pleasure-seeking. This view suggests that individuals knowingly make bad choices in pursuit of hedonistic highs. Critics argue this overly simplistic interpretation unfairly blames those struggling with addiction, ignoring the broader context of their decisions.

Research provides a more nuanced picture. Addiction is not entirely beyond voluntary control. While cravings and neuroadaptations play a significant role, people can reduce or even stop substance use in response to life changes or the consequences of their actions. Events like marriage, a new job, or becoming a parent can shift the perceived value of substance use, highlighting that even those deeply affected by addiction retain some agency.

Decision-Making in Addiction: Understanding addiction requires examining how people make decisions under challenging circumstances. Neuroeconomics, the study of value-based decision-making, sheds light on how these choices unfold. For instance, research shows that when people are hungry, they prioritise taste over health, leading to unhealthy decisions. Similarly, alcohol users experiencing cravings and negative emotions are more likely to value alcohol over non-drug alternatives, influencing their choices.

This reveals a broader pattern seen in addiction. When the environment fails to offer healthier or more appealing alternatives, the relative value of drugs increases. Take treatment settings as an example. There, individuals may genuinely want to stop using substances because the focus shifts to recovery and future goals. However, returning to environments where drugs are easily accessible and attractive options are limited often increases the likelihood of relapse.

Social and Environmental Drivers of Addiction: Poverty illustrates how environments shape decision-making. Areas with high deprivation often present limited opportunities for meaningful work, stable housing, or education. Meanwhile, gambling outlets, alcohol vendors, and drug availability may dominate these settings, making addiction more likely.

Addiction in these circumstances is less about losing the ability to choose and more about how structural barriers reduce the value of healthier choices. By reshaping environments and addressing inequalities, we can start to tackle these deep-rooted issues.

Paths to Recovery: Understanding addiction through the lens of decision-making opens new pathways for support. Instead of framing individuals as broken or helpless, this perspective views people in the context of their environment.

Encouragingly, it shows recovery is possible by increasing the availability, visibility, and value of non-drug alternatives. This may include offering accessible education, creating stable job opportunities, or fostering supportive communities. By making these changes, we shift focus away from stigma and towards empowering individuals to make better-informed choices.

While the psychology of addiction is undeniably complex, treating those impacted with empathy and focusing on promoting meaningful alternatives is the way forward. The path to recovery is not simple, but it’s one that can be supported through understanding human behaviour and its environmental influences. Source: WRD News

(Also a must read Research Report on this; Drug Use, Stigma & Proactive Contagions to Reduce Both – also containing Dealing with Addiction. Models, Modes, Mantras & Mandates – A Review of Literature Investigating Models of Addiction Management)

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Published: 05 June 2025

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The journey to recovery from substance use is deeply personal, yet research consistently shows that women face distinct challenges that require tailored approaches to treatment and support. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective services that truly meet women’s needs.

Why Women Need Different Support

Women’s relationship with substances often differs significantly from men’s experiences. Research indicates that women’s substance use is more commonly linked to trauma and abuse, focuses on different substances, and is complicated by biological differences and caring responsibilities.

Key differences include:

• Higher rates of prescription drug and alcohol use compared to illegal substances
• Greater likelihood of experiencing domestic or sexual abuse
• More complex trauma histories that influence substance use
• Increased caring responsibilities for children and family members
• Different biological responses to substances

Barriers Women Face in Accessing Treatment

Despite making up a significant portion of those affected by substance use, women remain underrepresented in treatment services. Several factors contribute to this disparity:

Stigma and Judgement

Society often judges women more harshly for substance use, particularly mothers. This stigma can prevent women from seeking help when they need it most.

Safety Concerns

Many women feel unsafe in mixed-gender treatment environments, especially those who have experienced abuse or trauma. This can create a significant barrier to accessing support.

Caring Responsibilities

Fear of having children removed from their care can prevent mothers from disclosing substance use. Additionally, practical barriers like childcare arrangements can make regular attendance at treatment sessions difficult.

Cultural and Community Barriers

Women from certain ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ women, and those with disabilities may face additional barriers that require culturally sensitive approaches to support.

Five Key Principles for Better Women Recovery Support Services

1. Understanding Local Women’s Needs

Effective services must be built on a comprehensive understanding of local women’s experiences, including those not currently accessing support. This means engaging with community organisations and listening to women with lived experience.

2. Creating Safe, Gender-Responsive Environments

Whether services are mixed-gender or women-only, they must prioritise safety and offer gender-responsive elements such as:

• Choice of same-gender support workers
• Women-only group sessions and spaces
• Flexible delivery to accommodate caring responsibilities
• Safe physical environments with appropriate facilities

3. Building Trauma-Informed Workforces

All staff should receive accredited training in trauma-informed approaches, understanding that many women accessing services will have experienced significant trauma that may be driving their substance use.

4. Developing Integrated Partnership Working

Women often have multiple, interconnected needs. Services work best when they collaborate with domestic abuse services, mental health support, housing providers, and children’s services to provide holistic support.

5. Embedding Lived Experience Voices

Women with lived experience should be involved throughout service development, from understanding needs to evaluating performance. Their insights are invaluable for creating truly responsive services.

Innovative Approaches to Women’s Support

Co-location Models: Bringing substance support into spaces where women already feel comfortable—such as women’s centres, GP surgeries, or community venues—can significantly improve access and engagement.

Specialist Pathways: Some areas have developed specialist services for women with the most complex needs, often using holistic, trauma-informed approaches that address multiple issues simultaneously.

Family-Centred Approaches: Services that work with the whole family, supporting both the woman and her children, can be more effective than those that treat substance use in isolation.

Integrated Health Services: Working closely with women’s health services, including specialist support for pregnancy, menopause, and reproductive health, recognises the interconnected nature of women’s health and wellbeing.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Supporting women before their substance use escalates can prevent more serious problems developing. This includes:…   

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