Episode 058 - Addiction at Work: What It Really Looks Like (And How to Help)

What does addiction really look like — especially in professional life? Most of us carry an outdated picture of addiction. In this episode of PsychChat, Dr Austin Tay is joined by Karen Mills (Business Psychologist, Senior Manager for Adult Care, and PhD researcher in addiction) to unpack what addiction really is, how it hides in high-performing workplaces, and what leaders, managers, and organisations can do about it.

•       The difference between substance addiction and behavioural addiction

•       Why addiction is a compulsion — not a choice or moral failure

•       The behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and physical signs to look out for

•       Why high-performing professionals are particularly at risk — and why they hide it

•       How social normalisation (alcohol culture, prescription medication) makes addiction harder to spot

•       What UK law says: Equality Act 2010, Health & Safety at Work Act, Employment Rights Act

•       What organisations can do — from psychological safety to manager capability to HR policy

•       Why the first conversation should never be a formal HR meeting

Whether you are an HR professional, a manager, an organisational leader, or someone who wants to better understand addiction — this episode will shift how you see it.

Karen Mills is a Business Psychologist, Senior Manager for Adult Care, Director of Business and Strategy for Psychology Business Incubator (PBI), author, and PhD student researching addiction. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-mills-fmbpss-certbp-1b1a59158/

Resources

HSE support for drug and alcohol at work

NHS search for your nearest services in England

AA website- Alcohol support networks

CGL- various services including drugs, alcohol and smoking

With You- Drug and alcohol services

PsychChat is hosted by Dr Austin Tay, Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) with over 30 years of international experience in organisational psychology. Each episode bridges academic research and real-world practice to help you understand the psychology behind the workplace.