Difficulties at work caused by addiction problems

Initial situation

Mr. C. contacted us because he was dismissed after eight years of employment due to ‘problems at work’. He cannot understand the dismissal and disagrees with the decision. He admits that he was sometimes late, but says that this can happen to anyone, especially in such a stressful job. Mr. C. emphasises that he always got on well with his colleagues.

Proitera’s assignment

Mr C. is upset and indignant. He depends on his job and does not know what to do next. He no longer wishes to speak to his manager, even though he cares about his job and is willing to always arrive at work on time in the future. He asks Proitera for advice on how to proceed.

Proitera’s intervention

At the start of the initial consultation, Mr C. appears uncooperative, opinionated and quick-tempered. The counsellor finds his story strange. She knows the company and its internal culture well. She listens attentively and asks for details. Over time, Mr C.'s anger subsides, and feelings of despair and powerlessness take hold.

The counsellor probes further: "You were late once and then you were dismissed? Are you sure? That seems unbelievable to me." Mr C admits that there had been discussions about misconduct in the past, followed by a warning and finally, an ultimatum. He adds: "I'll tell you in confidence that I occasionally use cocaine. And then you end up being late sometimes." He finances his drug use partly through gambling. When the counsellor asks if he always wins, he must admit: "Things aren't going well at the moment and I'm in debt. But I'll manage – next Wednesday is my lucky day."

The counsellor decides to Moreno's role reversal method and asks Mr C. to sit in the fictional chair of his supervisor. She takes on the role of the employee. In the role of his boss, Mr C. has an epiphany: "I don't understand why he was so patient with me," he says. "I would have fired (myself) long ago!" The consultant then summarises the fictional conversation and asks Mr C. if he is willing to undergo inpatient drug withdrawal treatment and work on his addictive behaviour. She also suggests tackling his debt restructuring with the support of Proitera.

The follow-up discussions focus on preparing the basis for negotiations. The supervisor agrees to a three-way meeting. He does not want to lose Mr C. as an employee but cannot tolerate another relapse under any circumstances. He is willing to withdraw the dismissal with reservations if Mr C. signs a code of conduct and negotiates an addiction agreement with Proitera.

Result

Proitera continues to hold regular coordination meetings between the addiction therapist, GP and employer. Debt restructuring is well underway but requires discipline and patience. The process is ongoing, and the first milestones have been reached.