PsychChatPsychChat started from a simple observation. Author: Dr Austin Tay
PsychChat started from a simple observation. The issues I hear from clients every day, the complexity, the frustration, the questions that don't have easy answers, deserve a bigger conversation. Too much work content is overhyped, anecdotal, and not grounded in anything real. PsychChat is my answer to that. Every episode draws on evidence-based research to explore the real issues people face in the world of work, the ones that don't get talked about honestly enough. My goal is simple. I want every person who listens to PsychChat to walk away with something they can actually use. I'm Dr Austin Tay, Chartered Psychologist and Fellow of the British and Hong Kong Psychological Societies. Language: en Genres: Business, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 058 - Addiction at Work: What It Really Looks Like (And How to Help)
Episode 58
Thursday, 5 March, 2026
What does addiction really look like — especially in professional life? Most of us carry an outdated picture of addiction. In this episode of PsychChat, Dr Austin Tay is joined by Karen Mills (Business Psychologist, Senior Manager for Adult Care, and PhD researcher in addiction) to unpack what addiction really is, how it hides in high-performing workplaces, and what leaders, managers, and organisations can do about it.In this episode, you will learn:• The difference between substance addiction and behavioural addiction• Why addiction is a compulsion — not a choice or moral failure• The behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and physical signs to look out for• Why high-performing professionals are particularly at risk — and why they hide it• How social normalisation (alcohol culture, prescription medication) makes addiction harder to spot• What UK law says: Equality Act 2010, Health & Safety at Work Act, Employment Rights Act• What organisations can do — from psychological safety to manager capability to HR policy• Why the first conversation should never be a formal HR meetingWhether you are an HR professional, a manager, an organisational leader, or someone who wants to better understand addiction — this episode will shift how you see it.About Karen Mills:Karen Mills is a Business Psychologist, Senior Manager for Adult Care, Director of Business and Strategy for Psychology Business Incubator (PBI), author, and PhD student researching addiction. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-mills-fmbpss-certbp-1b1a59158/ResourcesHSE support for drug and alcohol at workManaging drug and alcohol misuse at work - Overview - HSENHS search for your nearest services in EnglandFind alcohol addiction support services - NHSAA website- Alcohol support networksalcoholics-anonymous.org.ukCGL- various services including drugs, alcohol and smokingChange Grow Live | Charity | We can help you change your lifeWith You- Drug and alcohol servicesDrug and Alcohol Support | WithYouAbout PsychChat:PsychChat is hosted by Dr Austin Tay, Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) with over 30 years of international experience in organisational psychology. Each episode bridges academic research and real-world practice to help you understand the psychology behind the workplace.
