What Profession Has the Highest Rate of Alcoholism?
About 18 million people in the United States suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD), meaning they are highly dependent on alcohol and are heavy drinkers. Heavy alcohol consumption is defined as consuming five or more alcoholic beverages on the same occasion on five or more days in 30 days.
Alcoholism is a severe and chronic disease that causes dysfunction in the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, drastically affecting how people make decisions and feel about themselves. This can cause significant problems in a person’s relationships and overall quality of life.
Alcoholism also adversely affects an individual’s working environment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 8.4% of full-time workers aged between 18 and 64 years indulge in heavy alcohol consumption. In a diverse and global workforce, having employees who are alcohol-dependent can have implications for a company’s success.
For starters, heavy drinkers are more likely to cause accidents in the workplace. They are also more likely to be hospitalized due to accidental injuries at work. Some may be fired either because of their intoxication or behavior while drunk. In other cases, heavy drinkers may act disruptive and aggressive when intoxicated.
Additionally, work relations may also be affected. Heavy drinkers may adversely affect their relationships with colleagues, affecting overall productivity in the workplace. This will inevitably lead to low employee morale, which can significantly impact the company’s performance. Heavy drinkers may also engage in criminal activities while under the influence of alcohol, which can affect a company’s reputation, brand image, and financial performance.
5 Jobs With the Highest Alcoholism Rate
Various work industries are more susceptible to alcoholism because of the nature of their jobs. These occupations may push employees to drink frequently. This may be due to long working hours, stressful conditions, or having a close-knit social circle in the workplace. Below are some of the occupations with the highest alcoholism rates.
Mining
Mining is one of the sectors that has employees who drink alcohol heavily. According to SAMHSA, the sector has a 17.5% alcoholism rate. The job duties include heavy manual labor that may subject an employee to fatigue and dehydration. The workplace is also isolating, leading to sociability issues and an inclination to drink excessively in social settings.
Additionally, mental health problems may also be prevalent among miners because of the extreme and dangerous nature of their jobs. They may experience anxiety, neuroses, and mood disorders. Miners often turn to alcohol to cope with the stress and trauma they experience in their work environments. They may also use alcohol to numb their pain, considering the nature of their jobs.
Construction
Roughly 16.5% of workers in the construction sector have been diagnosed with alcohol dependency. Physical labor can be very demanding, especially in the construction industry, which requires heavy lifting and hard work. Employees may also engage in heavy drinking to reduce anxiety or anxiety-inducing emotions.
Furthermore, the job’s unstable nature and the risk of injuries may also lead to heavy drinking. Heavy drinkers working in this sector may have a hard time quitting drinking, too, which can discourage them from seeking help for their addiction. They may also engage in behavior that could affect their employers negatively, such as absenteeism and workplace infractions.
Accommodations and Food Services
This sector’s employees are 11.8% more likely to be alcohol dependent than the rest of the working population. The accommodations and food services sector includes hotels and restaurants that may serve alcoholic beverages on the job. This means workers struggling with AUD can easily access alcohol, which may contribute to their alcoholism.
In addition, the job’s high-stress atmosphere may also encourage heavy drinking by employees. The job duties may include unpleasant tasks or unsavory co-workers, which can cause stress and lead to heavy drinking. Workers in this sector are also more likely to be diagnosed with mental health problems and substance use disorder since they barely have time for self-care.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
The arts, entertainment, and recreation sector is another high-risk industry with an 11.5% alcoholism rate. This sector includes performing artists, like actors and musicians, who frequently drink alcohol to combat stress or anxiety while they perform on stage. Additionally, they may consume alcoholic beverages away from their employers to keep in the good graces of their social circle.
Employees in this sector are also more likely to experience mental health problems, like depression or anxiety disorder, because they work in mentally taxing working environments and often lead unhealthy lifestyles. They may also be more isolated from others and have a more challenging time quitting alcohol use altogether, which could make them vulnerable to relapse if they are subjected to stress at work.
Furthermore, the jobs in this sector are freelance, which can lead to intense activity coupled with no work at all. This lack of structure and routine can be difficult to adapt to. As a result, some may turn to alcohol.
Utilities
The 10.3% alcoholism rate in the utility sector indicates that heavy drinking can be a problem for employees in any line of work. The job duties in this sector include repairing and maintaining various electrical systems or machines. This could mean that employees are exposed to stress while they complete their tasks, which may trigger heavy drinking.
They may also be isolated from others during their working hours, making it hard to cope with stress and anxiety. Heavy drinkers in this sector may also have little or no time for self-care, which can contribute to substance use disorder.
Identifying and preventing alcoholism in the workplace is the first step to bringing about positive change and solving this issue. But how can you deal with alcoholism in the workplace?
Employee Assistance Program
An employee assistance program (EAP) is a confidential support service that provides advice, counseling, and referrals to employees experiencing problems in their personal or professional life.
Drug and alcohol abuse problems are some of the issues that EAP counselors help employees with. Your EAP counselor will recommend a treatment plan appropriate for the severity of your alcohol problem. An EAP counselor may also provide you with psychological help and recommend an addiction treatment center to get help.
EAPs benefit employers as much as they are helpful to employees, as they help prevent more serious issues from arising. They reduce absenteeism costs and improve employee satisfaction, ultimately reducing overall employee turnover rates. EAPs also enhance the quality of work of employees and improve customer experience.
Alcoholism Treatment
If employees face an addiction of any kind, they may choose to seek treatment. Alcoholism treatment includes detoxification and rehabilitation to address the root causes of the habit. Treatments include group counseling and individual counseling sessions to help employees battle their alcohol addiction.
While employers cannot force employees to undergo alcohol treatment, they can request reimbursement for the treatment provided. Such treatment can occur at a doctor’s office, a clinic, or an outpatient treatment center. Medications can also be used as a treatment option, but they are usually reserved for severe cases.
The goal of an alcoholism treatment program is to encourage employees to participate in full recovery to treat their problems for good. Employees who receive treatment may find their employers supportive, motivating them to confront their substance abuse problem and stay sober.
Preventing Alcoholism in the Workplace
Maintaining a healthy workplace is the best way to prevent alcoholism. Employers can start by making a working environment pleasant with a stable structure and clear policies. They can also hire employees with good work ethics and get to know them better so they can learn more about them as people.
Additionally, employers can have policies to ensure employees are not at risk of substance abuse. These policies may include drug and alcohol testing in the workplace, as well as support programs for those who may be struggling with addiction.
Employees should also know that being diagnosed with alcoholism or substance addiction does not mean failing at their job or at their responsibilities. They must remember that substance abuse is a medical condition that affects the brain and will not affect their ability to function on the job as long as they work toward recovery and they remain sober.
Employers can also help their employees navigate the recovery process by providing resources and counseling services to help keep them employed and sober throughout treatment. Additionally, they can help their employees by providing a support system of people their employees trust and can lean on.
Ultimately, employers must ensure that everyone in the company can do their job without putting others at risk. Alcoholism and substance abuse problems can be treated and prevented from affecting the workplace. All it takes is awareness of the effects and the willingness to intervene and help those who need it most.
Dealing With Withdrawals and Management in the Work Place
There are various ways employers can manage withdrawals. Employers should create a plan if an employee experiences withdrawal symptoms at work. This includes offering water and snacks or having employees take short breaks to deal with the symptoms if they are mild.
Employers may also want to create an action plan if their employees cannot work due to severe symptoms. Such a plan could include a specific number of days an employee will not be working and a recovery plan that will be taken during this period.
Employers can also help prevent substance abuse in the office by educating themselves on the addiction process and its symptoms. They should be able to identify signs of addiction and withdrawal from their employees. Once they notice any symptoms, the employer should refer the affected employees to a professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Furthermore, employers should ensure the workspace is drug-free to avoid relapse and confront and reprimand any employees under the influence. They should also encourage recovering employees to maintain daily routines and make efforts to maintain a positive and productive relationship with them.
Things an Employer Should Avoid
In a work environment susceptible to alcohol abuse, there are several things employers should avoid to prevent substance abuse. One is covering up for employees who may be drinking on the job. Employers should also make sure their policies, as well as their communication and expectations, for employees with substance abuse problems are clear.
Furthermore, employers should refer their employees to the EAP and offer them an opportunity for rehabilitation when appropriate. There is no reason for an employer to fire or discipline an employee struggling with AUD. Employers should remember that treatment can lead to more engaged and productive employees.
Many employers make the mistake of assuming that their employees’ substance abuse is purely a matter of poor judgment. The truth is that there are several underlying causes, including genetics, environment, and personality.
Employers should not assume they can treat alcohol abuse in the workplace. Instead, they should seek help from addiction professionals to assess and treat the problem effectively. This will allow them to help their employees rebuild their lives and become productive members again.
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, we recommend you seek help. Seeking help will not only help your health but also improve your work life. Getting clean and staying clean will help you become a more productive employee or employer and get back to work.
Employees and employers struggling with alcoholism can reach out to the employee assistance program (EAP) in their workplace. An EAP will help you establish the right treatment plan and ensure the correct professionals are available to help you recover. An EAP will also assist you in preparing for your treatment and making necessary arrangements during your recovery.