Alcohol and drugs

Mid Sweden University should be a place of work that is free from alcohol and other drugs, where we strive for early detection of high-risk alcohol consumption.

Our shared ethos is that:

• Alcohol and drugs shall not be consumed during working hours
  It is not possible to combine alcohol and drug abuse with work. Substance abuse must stop so that the employee can stay
• By means of an open climate, we shall prevent alcohol or drug problems from arising
  Discussions with an individual about their substance abuse are confidential and are conducted in a manner respectful to the individual.
• Employees with alcohol or drug problems should know that the employer offers active support for substance abusers.
• The employee is always personally responsible for their behaviour and actions – nobody else can assume that responsibility
• All employees are Mid Sweden University's public face. During training courses, conferences, staff parties and when providing hospitality, even outside of working hours, moderation should be the order of the day, and alcohol-free alternatives should be made available.
• Any handling or use of narcotics is illegal. Non-medical use of drugs shall be considered drug abuse
  If you discover that a colleague is under the influence
• Always inform your immediate supervisor if you find out that someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the workplace, since the individual poses a risk to themselves and others.
• The supervisor will assign two people to ensure that the individual leaves the workplace and returns home safely.
• The supervisor will encourage the influenced employee to come back the following day for a private discussion that will be documented.

If you discover that a student is under the influence

• Contact the teacher or course director.
• Ensure that the individual leaves the university and returns home safely.
• The teacher/course director will follow up with a discussion together with the individual, or will ask the Student Health Care Centre to lead the first discussion.
• Contact your immediate supervisor, the Student Health Care Centre or health and safety representative if you feel that you need support or help!

Signs or high-risk consumption or abuse

There are signs that may indicate that an individual is at risk of or is already abusing alcohol or drugs. If several of the following signs are true, you should react. However, there can be other causes for these signs, such as sickness or other problems. Regardless of what the cause may be, it is good to show that you care about the person by asking how they are.

• A change in work performance. Less even, more spasmodic work
• Declining interest in the job/education
• Increased number of mistakes and misjudgements
• Concentration difficulties, poor endurance and increased tiredness
• Unstable mood, incoherent behaviour
• Declining self-esteem, nervous, listless and depressed
• Irritable, vulnerable and hostile
• A tendency to isolate
• More suspicious of others
• Often involved in accidents outside of work
• Hungover or smells of alcohol during work time
• Repeated short-term absenteeism
• Keeps arriving late
• Physical changes

What can I do as a workmate/colleague?

Upon suspicion of high-risk consumption or abuse, employees should inform their supervisor as soon as possible about what they have observed, preferably with events documented. Depending on the relationship that you have with the colleague in question, you could try to help them personally as follows:

• Show that you care – even if it is perceived as prying into something that is none of your business. It might help to counteract the incompetency and despondency that many in their situation often feel.
• Show that you notice when your workmate is there and needs help. The best way to help is to show them that they are needed.
• Do not lie in order to protect the person – such a disservice only helps the person to continue their behaviour.
• Have expectations that your workmate does their share of the group's work. Do not accept a situation where the workload is unbalanced because of a person's high-risk consumption or abuse.
• The fact that you care and have the courage to speak up about what you see and how you feel does not mean that you will be responsible for solving your colleague's problem. You convey how you perceive the situation here and now and how it affects you, but the responsibility of solving the problem lies with your colleague. You can offer your support – but not more than that.
• When you bring up alcohol or drug problems with a colleague, expect to be rejected, but let them know that you are on hand if he or she changes their mind. Show that you are still interested in them, and try talking again after a little time has passed.
• If you feel unsure about what to do, you can approach the head of department, health and safety representative, HR department or occupational health services for advice.

What can I do to help as a friend/fellow student?

The first – and perhaps most important – thing you can do as a friend of someone who you feel is starting to have an alcohol problem is to be kind and show that you care. During university studies, students are often divided into different groups for things such as laboratory work and projects. If someone in the group fails to fulfil their commitments because of an alcohol or drug habit, it affects not only the individual but entire group. This should never be accepted. Lying or covering up the person's habit does not solve the problem. As a fellow student, you should talk with the individual and explain how you view the situation. Nobody can say that what you see and feel, or how you are affected is wrong. It is of utmost importance to talk with the person, not about them. If, as a student, you suspect that a lecturer or employee is under the influence during working hours, you should approach that person's supervisor immediately. If you feel unsure about this, you may talk to your student union.

If you need help or advice with issues related to alcohol or drug abuse, you can talk to the Student Health Centre or the head of student matters at your student union. You can also ask for suggestions and advice before any conversation is held with your fellow student.