Performing normality in working life among heavy substance users

Abstract

Aim: Work is an important part of most people's everyday lives and well-being. Substance use by employees is associated with several negative consequences, such as absence from work and poor work performance. The study examines the strategies through which people who have problems with substance use produce a “normal” self and avoid becoming stigmatised in the workplace. Methods: The study uses data from in-depth unstructured life story interviews, which were conducted over phone with 13 people. The participants had developed various problematic heavy substance use habits. The interviews were analysed by applying interactional analysis and by using Goffman's concepts of “normality”, “embarrassment”, “face-work”, “stigma” and “performance”. Results: The analysis identified multiple strategies the participants used to produce normality and to avoid embarrassment and stigmatisation at work. These include skilful use of drugs in order not to show withdrawal symptoms, various ways of hiding their heavy substance use, frequent change of jobs, the maintenance of a clean and professional look, and attributing the absence from work to mental or physical illness. Moreover, the participants strategically avoided social contacts in which embarrassing situations could arise. When this was not possible, they manipulated their corporeal looks by hiding such kinds of bodily marks that would connote abnormality. Conclusion: The analysis points out that maintaining normality at work does not only refer to the efforts of trying to hide the effects of the drugs on behaviours and the body. It also reveals that the participants used substances to be able to perform energetically their work tasks, and in this way present themselves as normal workers. This ambivalence in performing normality makes the work life of people who use substances challenging.

Digital screens and children

“…The ways in which heavy substance users navigate working life have been studied by Gunnarsson and Törrönen (2022) . In order to avoid embarrassment and stigmatisation, the participants of the study not only have to hide their substance use but they also have to appear energetic and normal, which entails its own performance.…”

Exploring the Prevalence and Determinants of Substance Use Among Drug Addicts in Pakistan

“…Studies show that individuals with SUDs employ various strategies to avoid social stigma and embarrassment in workplaces, schools, etc. This leads to the isolation of drug users from the rest of society [9]. A 2022 study was conducted in different rehabilitation centers all over Pakistan and ndings indicated that the extent of the stigma associated with substance use disorder differed depending on the severity of substance use [10].…”