Mentoring Adolescents – Dealing with Addiction and Disruption in the Workplace

Over the years we have facilitated many mentoring programs supporting apprentices and adolescents (young adults) in Australian Workplaces. A frequent and significant challenge for mentors often stems from the social and peer use of recreational drugs and alcohol. Albeit a difficult topic to broach in conversation it is often one that needs to be had.

Employers often complain about apprentice / worker apathy, poor attitudes, increased absenteeism, and high staff churn within this demographic. Research data suggests that many of these behavioural characteristics can also be attributed to excessive use of drugs and alcohol (binge drinking), and other out of work influences.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that employees who reported using drugs or alcohol were more likely to have higher rates of absenteeism and lower productivity. This study surveyed more than 22,000 employees and found that those who used drugs or alcohol were absent from work more often than their non-using counterparts.

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A 2021 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that alcohol use was associated with lower work performance, poor workplace behaviour and relationships. This analysis reviewed multiple global studies and found a consistent relationship between alcohol use and decreased work performance and attendance.

?Alcohol and drugs have a significant impact on the brain and prefrontal cortex. These substances can cause lasting damage to the brain's structure and function, leading to a wide range of negative effects on a person's health, behaviour, and cognition.

The prefrontal cortex, located at the front of the brain, is responsible for a wide range of functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, impulse control, and social behaviour. Alcohol and drugs can damage this region of the brain, leading to long-lasting changes in behaviour and cognitive function.

One of the most well-known effects of alcohol and drugs on the brain is impaired judgment and decision-making. Studies have shown that alcohol and drugs reduce the activity in the prefrontal cortex, making it harder for individuals to make sound decisions and control their impulses and mood swings. This is why people under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to engage in risky behaviours and make poor choices.

Alcohol and drugs can also affect the brain's ability to form new memories and recall old ones. These substances interfere with the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for memory formation and retrieval. As a result, people who abuse alcohol and drugs may struggle with memory problems and have difficulty retaining new information.

Another significant impact of alcohol and drugs on the brain is the risk of addiction. These substances stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that activates the brain's reward system. Over time, the brain may become dependent on these substances to experience pleasure, leading to addiction.

Long-term alcohol and drug abuse can cause permanent damage to the prefrontal cortex, leading to changes in personality and behaviour. Chronic use of these substances can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. The prefrontal cortex is also responsible for regulating emotions, and damage to this region of the brain can cause individuals to experience mood swings and emotional instability.

Furthermore, studies have shown that alcohol and drug use during adolescence can have a particularly harmful effect on the developing brain. The prefrontal cortex is still developing during this time, and exposure to these substances can cause permanent damage that affects a person's behaviour and cognitive function throughout their life.

A workplace mentor can play a critical role in helping mentees and young adolescents overcome addiction and improve their work performance and relationships. A mentor is typically an experienced and trusted advisor who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement to a mentee. When it comes to addiction and work performance, a good mentor can help a mentee in several ways:

1.??Offering support: A mentor can offer support to a mentee who is struggling with addiction. They can provide a listening ear, offer guidance on how to seek help, and encourage the mentee to take the necessary steps to address their addiction.

2.??Providing accountability: A mentor can help a mentee to stay accountable for their actions and commitments. They can help the mentee to set goals for improving their work performance and attendance and to hold them accountable for making progress towards those goals.

3.??Offering guidance: A mentor can offer guidance on how to manage addiction while also maintaining a successful career. They can provide insights on how to manage stress, improve time management, and build healthy habits that can help a mentee to improve their overall well-being and work performance.

4.??Acting as a role model: A mentor can also act as a positive role model for the mentee. They can share their own experiences of overcoming addiction or other challenges in their career and inspire the mentee to do the same.

5.??Know when to refer: A good mentor also knows when their mentee requires professional help, and regardless of their depth of experience, knowledge and sage advice understands when the mentee would benefit from further clinical or psychological support. Such situations should not be considered failure on behalf of the mentor, more so this type of referral can often be transformational and save the mentee from further downward spiral in their chosen career and relationships.

It should be noted that such addictions are often closely related?to underlying health and social problems, they can also be symptomatic of other mental health issues requiring professional help and support.

Here in Australia organisations such as Beyond Blue, Life-Line, Mates in Construction, Alcoholics Anonymous, Lives Lived Well, all have free help lines and services that the mentor can use as referrals. There are as well many , many others with the most important potentially being the family doctor or local general practitioner.

In order for a mentorship to be effective, it's important for the mentor to establish a trusting and supportive relationship with the mentee. This can involve actively listening to the mentee, offering guidance and support without judgment, and maintaining confidentiality. A successful mentorship can help a mentee to overcome addiction, improve their work performance, and achieve their career goals. It starts with trust, care, and confidentiality!

In conclusion, alcohol and drugs have a profound impact on the brain and prefrontal cortex. These substances can cause long-lasting damage that affects a person's behaviour, cognition, and mental health. It's important for individuals to understand the risks associated with substance abuse and seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction, or the impacts of a binge episode.

If you would like to have a deeper dive and explore a 45-minute complimentary conversation to discuss the Mentoring of Adolescents, Workplace Mentor Program implementation or how to best integrate Mentorship into your business, tap into my Calendly diary here to lock in a time.?Mark Jones Calendar?

Direct Contact details are:

Mark Jones on Phone: +61 (0) 428 727 076 or email [email protected]