Substance addiction, while a personal issue for many, is a societal challenge that affects communities globally. From wealthy to impoverished communities, substance addiction is rife, whether in London, Paris, Bangkok, New Delhi, and beyond.
In India, where it is estimated that 60 million people struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) in the form of drug or alcohol addiction, the effects are not only palpable but widespread among different layers of the community.
From the home, the hospital, and even in the workplace, alcohol use disorder makes itself present through antisocial behaviour, physical illnesses, financial burden, and more.
As India becomes an increasingly prominent figure in global business and international trade, it’s important to recognise the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace.
Not only is it a compassionate approach, but optimising the wellbeing of your employees and co-workers will only result in greater levels of engagement, cohesion, and productivity.
Addiction as a Chronic Brain Disease & Stigma in India
Fortunately, the categorisation of addiction as a chronic brain disease seems to be becoming increasingly more accepted with each passing day. However, many people still remain ignorant to the effects and severity of drug and alcohol addiction.
Despite the fact that substance addiction is a chronic brain disease, where the victim experiences chemical changes in the brain, as well as a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can lead to death, it’s still stigmatised by many.
Some people see substance addiction as a moral failing, a form of laziness or unwillingness to abstain from consuming intoxicating substances.
However, addicted people suffer from physical and psychological cravings that lead to intense withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, cramps, vomiting, psychosis, and even seizures.
Additionally, they suffer from compulsive thoughts and worries about when their next “fix” might be.
So, it’s imperative that we recognise addiction for what it is – a chronic brain disease. Many of us are fortunate to be able to consume alcohol without being unable to stop or driven to compulsive behaviour.
There are many biological, social, and environmental factors at play that leave specific people extremely vulnerable to substance addiction.
However, in India, social stigma and cultural silence prevent many from seeking help. The fear of being ostracised or losing one’s job often forces individuals to hide their struggles, perpetuating cycles of dependence and mental distress.
How Indian Businesses Can Support Workers Battling Substance Addiction
While substance addiction recovery is often a personal journey, it requires support from the community. Whether that means family, healthcare, or the workplace, individuals require support every way they can.
Workplaces are uniquely positioned to create change. The average employee spends over 90,000 hours of their lifetime at work. Because workers spend so much time – and deliver results for companies – the workplace has a moral obligation to help them recover.
Progressive and determined organisations in India can integrate addiction recovery methods and wellness strategies into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in order to not only help addicted people recover, but promote both compassion and productivity among non-addicted employees too. Here’s how businesses can lead the way:
1. Establish Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
EAPs – or Employee Assistance Programs – offer a range of benefits for employees that they may not seek out elsewhere. With an EAP, employees can benefit from confidential counselling sessions, wellbeing workshops, stress management training, and more.
If they are suffering from any emotional or mental issues, or substance addiction, they can connect with a counsellor to undergo individual therapy.
Or, they may not suffer from addiction, but they may benefit from stress management workshops or alcohol awareness campaigns. There are many resources to benefit from with an EAP, and this can be accessed in the workplace.
By following such models, Indian organisations can empower employees to seek help without fear of judgment.
2. Combat Stigmas by Promoting Mental Health & Addiction Awareness
To be able to demonstrate compassion and empathy towards those suffering from addiction, you must first understand that it is a debilitating disease, not a choice.
By advocating mental health and addiction awareness campaigns and programs in the workplace, you’ll not only educate co-workers, but you’ll foster a non-judgemental environment that’s more conducive to recovery.
Whether an organisation partners with non-government organisations, healthcare professionals, or other community initiatives, they can help employees identify the signs of addiction and understand its severity.
Challenging these misconceptions can bring a workplace into a more progressive and open-minded approach, with even greater levels of compassion and collective responsibility.
3. Foster a Culture of Psychological Safety
Fostering a non-judgemental environment is imperative for workers suffering from addiction. It allows them to feel comfortable not only admitting that they are struggling, but to seek out and accept support when they need it.
Leaders – whether that be managers, directors, or the organisation itself – should lead by example and manifest openness, empathy, and accountability through their actions.
Creating psychologically safe spaces means that your workers won’t let any issues interfere with their work indefinitely.
Rather, they’ll seek out help to address the root cause of the problem.
Utilising compassionate policies, whether medical leave for recovery, flexible flexible working options, and reintegration support reinforces that our shortcomings are not something to fear or ignore but something to address as a team.
4. Integrate Holistic Wellness Programs
India’s heritage offers powerful, holistic healing traditions that can complement modern recovery strategies. By incorporating practices such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and Ayurveda-based nutrition, workplaces can create sustainable wellness ecosystems.
Examples of holistic wellness workshops, activities, and programs include but aren’t limited to:
- Yoga: Yoga is arguably the ultimate holistic exercise. Beyond the physical benefits of yoga – such as increased muscle strength, mobility, and flexibility – it can induce a range of psychological benefits. From reduced levels of stress, improved breathing patterns, and more, yoga yields physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness workshops can help employees regulate emotions and manage cravings by teaching them to become more aware of their thoughts. By being more present, controlling our breathing, and acknowledging our thoughts and feelings – even negative ones – people can improve their quality of life by reducing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and more.
- Ayurveda: Ayurveda is the Indian medical philosophy that emphasizes the benefits of holistic therapy and treatment methods to help patients recover. Ayurveda incorporates a range of healing methods, from yoga, herbal medicine, massage, and more, to encourage positive lifestyle habits among patients.
5. Collaborate with Community-Based Recovery Networks
It’s not only the work organisation’s responsibility to provide support for their employee battling addiction.
The community has an enormous responsibility, too. There are a range of nongovernment organisations and self-help groups, whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, or SoulUp.
These support groups can allow you to join support networks to connect with others who are suffering from substance addiction. In addition to sharing your story with others, you can listen and resonate to the powerful recovery journey of others.
Furthermore, many of these organisations will have contacts with drug and alcohol rehabs across India should you need to be admitted for addiction treatment. While wellbeing workshops, support groups, and alcohol awareness campaigns will greatly benefit some addicted people, others need immediate attention in the form of an inpatient addiction recovery programme.
Breaking the Stigma: Why Language and Attitude Matter
Words can shape perceptions, and not for the better. Using outdated terms such as “addict” or “substance abuser” carries judgment and dehumanises individuals, because it characterises them based on their illness. Instead, consider using more inclusive language, such as “addicted person” to retain their dignity and demonstrate empathy.
While we should follow our initiative and demonstrate compassion to our co-workers and other people suffering from substance addiction, workplace communications and HR policies should reflect this sensitivity.
Inclusive language can not only dismantle the social barriers that keep individuals silent and suffering, but it can encourage them to seek out support. In turn, this will improve not only the level of trust in the workplace, but wellbeing and productivity.
The Business Case for Compassion
Beyond ethical considerations as to why an organisation should support the mental wellbeing of their employees, there are many business and economic advantages to be had by supporting addiction recovery. When a company invests in its employees, it invests in itself too.
- Reduced absenteeism: In addition to coming into work with higher levels of satisfaction and motivation, employees who are healthy are less likely to take time off. Statistics suggest that sick leads lead to millions or even billions of dollars wasted each year for companies.
- Lower employee turnover rate: If your workers are healthier and performing well, there will be higher retention rates which is not only convenient but economical.
- Increased productivity: Workers who are in greater physical and mental health will be more productive in the workplace. This can be attributed to greater lifestyle choices, like prioritising quality sleep, nutrient-dense foods, exercise, and more.
- Enhanced brand reputation: If a company is known for supporting its co-workers, it will attract a larger talent pool in the future.
From Stigma to Support
India’s business landscape sits at a transformative crossroads where compassion meets strategy, and health meets productivity.
Productivity and compassion are not mutually exclusive, they can go hand in hand to establish a long-term investment in a business’ future.
By integrating mental health awareness, holistic wellbeing, and recovery support into workplace culture, Indian businesses can lead a national movement toward healing, dignity, and inclusion.
Substance addiction recovery is above all about saving lives and improving health in the community.
However, it’s also about restoring potential and fostering a more conducive environment. By adopting wellness strategies in the workplace, it strengthens the very foundation of a more empathetic community and country.
