Substance abuse has been a growing problem within the architecture world since the early 2000s. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there is an overlap between the architecture world and substance abuse, with some estimates indicating that more than 14 percent of architects struggle with the issue. Substance abuse can have an incredibly negative impact on the architect’s ability to contribute to their work and the quality of work that they produce. It can also lead to health problems and potential arrests. It is necessary that the architecture world address these issues and promote the recovery of those struggling with substance abuse if professionals in the field are to be successful and productive.
First and foremost, it is essential that a culture of openness is promoted within the architecture world so that those suffering from substance abuse can feel comfortable discussing their struggles and looking for help. Studies have found that architects suffering from substance abuse issues feel embarrassed to speak to colleagues and employers about their struggles, which stems from fear of job loss, discrimination, or poor job performance. If a culture of understanding and support is put into place, then these individuals will feel more comfortable seeking help, and their quality of life, as well as their dedication to their work, will improve.
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Moreover, it is important that architects are educated on the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. While there may be the occasional tell-tale sign that someone is suffering from a substance abuse issue, such as staying late at work and consistently arriving late to work, those suffering from the issue may be engaging in more subtle behaviors. For example, they may need extra time to complete tasks, may be more forgetful, or may display signs of apathy.
Additionally, SAMHSA also recommends providing education and resources to architecture firms that emphasize how substance abuse can negatively affect the quality of work produced by architects. This can include webinars, seminar series, and online resources developed for employers to help them spot warning signs of such issues and respond appropriately.
Finally, the discipline of architecture is highly demanding and therefore it is essential to provide resources for those struggling with substance abuse. This could mean providing support groups, mental health professionals, or any other type of resource that may prove helpful. Additionally, many firms have created employment policies that outline their expectations regarding the responsible use of substances and consequences for failing to adhere to those expectations. This allows architects to have clear expectations as to how their work and attendance are to be managed while allowing them to understand the discipline they can expect for non-adherence.
Substance abuse is a serious issue in the architecture world, and it can negatively affect an architect’s ability to contribute to and excel in their job. Therefore, it is important that those in the architecture world are open to discussing the issue and providing resources to those struggling with it. By educating architects on the signs of substance abuse and providing them with the right resources, the architecture world can ensure a safer and more productive working environment.