How to cope with addiction? : The effects on work supply, sick leave status and quality of life after participating in a course on life-style coping

Abstract

Background: The Centre for drug- and addiction treatment and Centre for learning and coping at Oslo University Hospital arrange the course “Mestre Jobben – Mestre Livet”. This course aims to teach life coping mechanisms and the ability to master a process towards life-style change. Its intent develops from the demonstration that people struggling with dependence on alcohol and/or other substances and maintain an employer-employee relationship have a significant effect on society in terms of reduced work supply, sick absence, and reduced productivity. However, this population may only occasional attend substance abuse clinic services.

Objective: This thesis investigates how participation in “Mestre Jobben – Mestre Livet” has led to a changed work supply, sick leave status and health related quality of life among participants.

Method: The method of investigation uses descriptive statistics by comparing group means, correlation analysis and simple regression, and asking if participation has had desirable effects on life change. The data have been collected by a postal survey to all the participants of “Mestre Jobben – Mestre Livet” from the start-up in the fall of 2009 to the spring of 2011.

Results: The fraction of participants maintaining a 100% work position has increased from 60 to 65%. The study showed no change in sick leave status was found. Results showed that quality of life (indicated by a mental health component scale variable) increased at a group level but is still lower than the score of a normal population.

Conclusion: “Mestre Jobben – Mestre Livet” meets criteria which show the aim to be considered fulfilled. Although, because of limitations in the study design alongside limited data, there is some uncertainty related to the strength of these findings.