alcohol and other drug problems among addiction professionals

When it comes to wellness, the natural inclination is to think in terms of providingeducation and support. However, all too often the information gathered atworkshops makes its way to the shelves, where it remains until it is moved overto make room for the manual from the next workshop. What is needed instead isa holistic program that looks at wellness on many dimensions and helps peopleimplement the practices they have learned. Team-building efforts are essential follow-upto wellness training programs.Discussions of the ADA provisions brought up the concept of “reasonable accommodations”that make it possible for people with disabilities to work. Whataccommodations might be necessary to promote wellness and continued sobrietyamong people in recovery?◆◆◆◆◆◆An understanding of the need-and provision of opportunities-for participationin community-based recovery support programsFully functioning EAPsEducation of non-recovering staff (e.g., supervisors and direct reports) in culturalcompetency regarding their recovering peers (e.g., “practicing what wepreach,” stigma-reduction efforts within the organization, not bringing personalbiases to work)Full integration of recovering employees into the professional treatment culture,healing the existing split between recovery and professional approachesCreation of organizational environments in which recovering staff feel securespeaking openly of their recovery status, allowing for easy and open discussionand a reduction of tension and stress around these issuesInvolvement of recovering staff in the development of policies and proceduresrelated to their status and issuesThe empathic, collaborative relationship with the client, so essential to effectivecounseling, is also essential to practitioner wellness. Counselors are responsible formaintaining resiliency and avoiding “depleted care,” the incidence of compassionfatigue and burnout. Factors that can lead to depleted care include work overload;lack of control; insufficient rewards; a breakdown of the sense of community in theworkplace; a lack of fairness, respect, or justice; a lack of meaningful, valuable work;and unaddressed or unresolved conflict.Wellness requires a balance between self-care and care for others. The emphasison selflessness and sacrifice in the helping professions can sometimes hamperself-care and appropriate rewards for work well done, and can diminish people’ssense of self-worth and appreciation of their gifts.n 43 n