Health Promotion Program Ideas – Fighting Addictions.
Tobacco use Cessation
Tobacco use cessation assistance is a worthwhile wellness activity. Tobacco use is often a difficult habit to overcome. Company health promotion activities to support “smoke-free” living include -
o Use American Lung Association resource. These include the Freedom From Smoking group and/or video-tutorial. There is also a follow-up video “A Lifetime of Freedom From Smoking”.
o Reward individuals who’ve successfully quit use of tobacco for six months with an appropriate “kicked the habit” certificate and some kind of incentive gift.
o Give “cold turkey” sandwiches to smokers who pledge to quit during the Great American Smokeout.
o Start a “quitting or thinking about it” support group to assist and encourage person attempting to stop tobacco use.
Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Addictions
If a substance abuse policy is not in place in your worksite, advocate that one be developed. Request a knowledgeable Health Promotion Committee member be included in the policy development process.
If such a policy is already in place make sure Wellness Committee members are alert to the policy and have a thorough understanding of it. From time to time, remind workforce of wellness resources and programs available.
o Invite AA, NA, AI-Anon, and other groups to meet in a organization building and/or publicize community meetings.
o Serve non-alcoholic drinks whenever alcohol is served, and be sure food is always served along with alcoholic beverages.
o Give easily accessible information about counseling, referral, and treatment programs available in the community. Put this information in an area where it may be viewed without embarrassment.
o When conducting health promotion programs include information about responsible alcohol use on stress/weight management, nutrition, fitness, tobacco use, and accident prevention.
o Issues like co-dependence and the difficulty of helping a substance abuser can also be addressed. Give this information as part of the wellness program by providing informational materials, brown bag sessions, employee assistance program information, etc.
o The Employee Assistance Program provider is an excellent resource for substance abuse wellness programming and or worker assistance.
o Other addictions, like problem gambling, food addiction, shopping, Internet addiction, etc., may be problematic and can reach the point of affecting a person’s life and work. Offer information, video review, or employee assistance sessions addressing these topics.
o A Wellness Committee member may gain personal information regarding an worker problem. Remember to keep all worker information totally confidential.