1. Discuss psychological factors that influence whether individuals start to smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.
A number of psychological factors influence substance abuse in individuals. One such factor is depression. For some people, substance abuse starts as a way of coping with feelings that are unbearable. People tend to believe that engaging in drug use will make them overcome these unbearable feelings. Two, when people are traumatized, they tend to find relief in drugs such as alcohol and narcotics. Anxiety is also another factor that influences substance abuse. For example, a person who is nervous when going for an interview might decide to use some kind of drugs, with the belief that they will be confident. Other similar factors include anger and boredom.
Self-esteem also affects whether or not an individual engages in substance abuse. People with low esteem have a higher likelihood of engaging in drugs. Self-esteem is greatly influenced by peer pressure. People live in social groups and therefore they have the need to belong. This means that when one’s peers usually engage in drug abuse, then that particular person is likely to adopt the same behavior so that he or she achieves a sense of belonging. Lack of social support and feelings of helplessness all contribute to an individual’s susceptibility for substance abuse (Bonas, 2006). Other psychological factors include stress, mental disorders, being in abusive situations and transitions.
2. Describe the effects of tobacco, in the workplace.
Smoking in the workplace affects productivity. According to Hall & Degenhardt (2001), smoking reduces productivity. A 2001 study to assess the impact of smoking on workplace productivity and absenteeism used 300 employees of a US airline, 100 each of current, former and never smokers. Results of the study indicated that current smokers showed greater absenteeism than the other two groups (Hall & Degenhardt, 2001). Also, absenteeism reduced while productivity increased among former smokers in comparison to current smokers. Therefore, smoking affects productivity. Also, smoking creates an unsafe and unhealthy workplace. Smoking in the workplace causes nonsmokers to inhale secondhand smoke, which can cause health problems such as lung cancer. Also, businesses or employers incur extra insurance costs for smokers.
3. Explain how employee assistance programs can help employees in controlling this habit.
EAPs are plans that assist in identifying and resolving issues that face troubled employees through counseling in the short-term, referrals to specialized organizations or professionals, and follow-up services. EAPs could be very effective in controlling smoking in the workplace. This is because they provide a safe environment whereby an employee can talk about issues with a counselor, who can then make a classified evaluation and even give a referral to a professional if necessary. According to Tamer (2005), some EAPs do train supervisors and business owners or employers to identify and deal with habits such as smoking in the workplace. Therefore, EAPs create an enabling environment that makes it possible for smokers to slowly address their habit through counseling, professional help and follow-up services.
4. Explain the relationship between mental health and tobacco.
In a study conducted at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in 2001, the aim was to examine the relationship between the use of tobacco and mental health problems among adults in Australia. Using a probability sample of about 10641 adults, the status of tobacco use was defined as current smoker, former smoker and never smoker. The findings of the study indicated that current smokers had a higher likelihood of screening positively for psychosis. They also portrayed greater psychological distress. Therefore, according to Halpern et al (2001), current tobacco use can be associated with a range of mental health problems. Bussing-Birks (2013) observes that people with an existing mental health problem consume about 40 percent of all cigarettes. Nicotine, the main addictive substance in tobacco is associated with mental illness because it has a calming effect.
References
Bonas, S. (2006) Smoking: Psychological and Social Influences. Netdoctor, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/smoking/psychologicalinfluences_000509.htm
Bussing-Birks, M. (2013) Mental Illness and Substance Abuse. NBER, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.nber.org/digest/apr02/w8699.html
Hall, W. & Degenhardt, L. (2001) The Relationship Between Tobacco Use and Mental Health. Nicotine Tob Res, 2001; 3(3): 225-234.
Halpern, M.T., Shikiar, R., Rentz, A.M. & Khan, Z.M. (2001) Impact of Smoking Status on Workplace Productivity and Absenteeism. Tobacco Control, 2001; 10: 233- 238.
Tramer, H. (2005) Small Biz Offering EAPs to Preserve Productivity. Crain's Cleveland Business. 25 April 2005.
