This programme is delivered in conjunction with Irish Life.

Findings from the National Drug and Alcohol Survey (2019-2020) show that rates of harmful drinking remain high in Ireland and one-in-five drinkers have an Alcohol Use Disorder. There has been an increase in the number of people using illegal stimulants and cocaine use has increased across all age groups.  

Alcohol and illicit drug use can have substantial impacts in the workplace, including lower productivity through sickness-related absence, inappropriate behaviour, accidents, and poor performance. Research in the UK found that four out of ten employers surveyed identified alcohol consumption as a significant or very significant cause of employee absence and lost productivity, with a third of organisations reporting that drug misuse had a similarly negative effect in the workplace. 

The aim of the Addiction Awareness Programme for Managers is to increase managers’ confidence and competence in dealing with problem alcohol and drug use/ addiction in their teams. The programme will provide them with information on different types of addiction, typical signs and symptoms of addiction, and legal obligations on employers. It will also provide information on managing addiction issues and provide managers with a toolbox of practical coaching skills for supporting sensitive conversations.  

This programme is suitable for all industry sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceutical & medical devices, IT, financial services and the service industry. 

At the end of the programme participants will:

• Gain increased knowledge on various types of addiction 
• Be able to identify signs and symptoms of possible addiction issues 
• Discuss the role of a manager in supporting workplace conversations and the limitations 
• Be introduced to coaching skills as a tool to support sensitive conversations 
• Know when to have conversations and how best to approach them 
• Present understanding of treatment options and supportive interventions 

Programme Facilitators

Michelle Dolan; Psychologist; C.Psychol. PsSI. 

Michelle is the Senior Client Wellbeing Manager for Irish Life Wellbeing, and a Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland. Her background is in HR/Management Consultancy; Adult Mental Health; and the Clinical Management of EAP organisations. Michelle specialises in designing and delivering a range of Mental Health programmes for ILH corporate clients across various industries ranging from manufacturing, pharmaceutical & medical devices, IT, financial services and the service industry. She further manages a team of highly experienced Psychologists and Wellbeing Consultants. Michelle holds qualifications in Personal and Executive Coaching; Training and Assessment; and Level A & B Psychometrics.  

Dr. Carol Rogan, PhD, Chartered Psychologist, C.Psychol., Ps.S.I., CMIOSH

Dr. Carol Rogan is a Chartered Psychologist at Irish Life Wellbeing. With a background in Psychology and Occupational Health & Safety, she has worked with a broad range of industry sectors, from large multinationals to SMEs. Carol completed her PhD in Psychology through Maynooth University and worked in the area of brain health/ research for a number of years. She is passionate about assisting individuals and organisations to optimise employee health & wellbeing. Carol holds qualifications in Personal & Executive Coaching and Training & Development and is a chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland and a chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Safety & Health.