Keywords: Substance use disorder ; sick leave : alcohol

Background:

Alcohol consumption is prevalent and is an integral part of the social landscape. Previous studies have pointed out that alcohol consumption could be influenced by an individual’s socio-professional context. But what about during sick leave period ?

Research questions:

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of alcohol-addicted patients during a period of sick leave.

Method:

Qualitative study with an analysis inspired by interpretative phenomenology based on semi-directed interviews with patients in a treatment center for alcohol addiction.

Results:

Ten interviews were carried out. A social vulnerability pre-existing the sick leave and the presence of alcohol to relieve a feeling of loneliness associated with professional discomfort were found in the patients' speech. During the sick leave, individuals felt an initial relief related to the reduction of work stress. However, discomfort will gradually set in due to inactivity, loss of social value and isolation. Alcohol is used by the participants to cope with this discomfort. Faced with an increase in their consumption, they became aware of the need to consider a change in their lifestyle and to start treatment. Sick leave was an opportunity to discuss alcohol with the doctor as a first step towards recovery. Some of the participants extended their sick leave to enter an alcohol treatment center. The others went back to work as they felt guilty not working. Going back to work worsened the discomfort, requiring further sick leave ultimately leading to entering an alcohol treatment center.

Conclusions:

Sick leave can be a source of relief but also of tension for individuals, leading to an increase in their alcohol consumption as a response to discomfort.

Points for discussion:

How do we think about assessing the risk of substance-related disorders in our patients during a period of sick leave?

Can telemonitoring be used to support patients on sick leave, and in particular improve the early screening of addictions?