How ‘well’ are addiction practitioners in NZ? Why do I care? Because the wellbeing of this workforce impacts the wellbeing of my own family. The lived experience that makes us amazing at our job, can also get in the way of it. Why does this matter? We love the ‘recovered and happy’ story, but its often not a true story. How much truth are we comfortable telling? What has already been done?

After 1 month as an addiction practitioner After 3 years as an addiction practitioner

Riveting details The focus of the study was to understand how addiction practitioners consider their wellbeing has changed since working as a practitioner. It set out to do this by applying indicators developed by Durie and Kingi (Hua Oranga) to identify data related to each indicator. This research used a questionnaire framed by the theoretical model of considering individual wellbeing, provided by Hua Oranga. I got permission from Mason Durie to apply this framework (after intense questioning!) Data was analysed thematically with the assistance of software for data coding application and comparisons.

Wellbeing indicators designed by Durie and Kingi

Addiction Practitioner Wellbeing Profile Combined all data from research findings to tell the story of how addiction practitioners are likely to be impacted in terms of their wellbeing, as a result of the work they do.

During the first year of practice 71.43% found the job helped their life make sense. 87.5% able to prioritise their spiritual wellbeing. 57.14% prioritising their own physical health since starting the job. 57.14% felt they became a more positive person since starting the job. More males then females were likely to notice an improvement in their mental health in their first year of practice.

During the second and third years of practice Most likely to notice changes in physical and social wellbeing. 87.5% noted that food eaten is less nutritious than it was in their first year. 66% expounding the importance of physical wellbeing to their clients, but not prioritising it themselves. Nearly 70% experienced a deterioration in their social and family lives. Less likely to exercise to manage stress, and more likely to consume more alcohol (44.4%) and take prescription medication (33%) to manage stress. 25% of sample using illicit substances. Only 11% will continue to find that their role helps them sustain their own recovery from addiction, compared to 28.57% of first year practitioners.

During the fourth and fifth years of practice Mental health deterioration higher than any other stage of practice, with 83.3% of practitioners reflecting a deterioration. Practitioners at this stage of practice were 39% more likely to develop a substance use issue while working in addiction services than those in their 1st, 2nd and 3rd years. Concurrent deterioration reflected in physical, social and spiritual wellbeing. This stage of professional practice is likely to be the most turbulent for practitioners across all dimensions of Te Whare Tapa Wha. For the first time, males are more likely than females or non-binary people to be practicing.

Between the fifth and tenth years of practice Reduction in alcohol use Reduction in use of illicit substances Increased use of prescription medication Increased prioritisation of physical health Increased time spent with loved ones Reduction in anxiety and panic Increased sense of relevance and purpose

Between the tenth and fifteenth years of practice After practicing for over 15 years Reduction in illicit substance use Reduction in alcohol use No indication of smoking Increase in regular GP attendance 75% Male Belief that their role gives them a sense of meaning in life (100%). 100% Male

Reframing professionalism: -What place is there for transparent connection and vulnerability in professional practice? -How much honesty is too much? -Can competent addiction practice and an active addiction co-exist? -What does our answer reflect about our own beliefs of addiction? -How do we define a ‘professional’? -How does lived experience relate to our definition of a professional?