EPIONE. Knowledge-oriented research on instrumental consumption among hidden working populations. A contribution of best practices for prevention.

EPIONE. Knowledge-oriented research on instrumental consumption among hidden working populations. A contribution of best practices for prevention.

Summary:

The EPIONE program is based on the premise that precarious working conditions, demanding workloads, instability about the future, and physical exertion create conditions that enable the development of addictive behaviors. Substance use that occurs in these conditions is called “instrumental use” and is related to a whole series of discomforts associated with situations of stress, sadness, or anxiety related to the work environment and working conditions that contribute to worsening the mental health of these workers. In many cases, these discomforts are treated pharmacologically, leading to the consumption of certain substances, both legal and illegal, to cope with and get through the day.

The EPIONE program focuses on three sectors particularly affected by precarious working conditions: the care sector, the tourism sector, and the courier platform sector. The characteristics of these sectors include a lack of social or individual control over working conditions; fragmented schedules and workspaces; the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life; and the difficulty of achieving a balance between paid work and other aspects of life. All these factors can increase the likelihood of substance use to manage concurrent pressures and stresses.

The EPIONE program reviews the labor market framework, examines the conditions of workers in some of the most precarious sectors, and analyzes how working conditions affect the well-being of these individuals and the ways in which they cope with the discomfort associated with these situations. Finally, it proposes a set of best practices for the prevention of potential problems associated with substance use in these contexts.