More than 16 million American adults have an alcohol use disorder. Millions more are struggling with drugs, both illicit and prescription. Addiction in the workplace is probably more common than you think, thanks in large part to a series of situations that contribute to rates of alcohol abuse among professionals. If you or someone you love has been showing signs of struggling to cope with their work and turning to drink or drugs to get through the business day, learn how the inpatient alcohol rehab center at Gulf Breeze Recovery can help by contacting us online or calling 833.551.2304 today.
What Leads To Addiction in the Workplace?
For most workers, business life at work and home can be stressful, hectic, demanding, and seemingly never-ending. Maybe your boss needs your work done faster, the client is not happy and is calling again for answers, or the technology you need to function is not always cooperating. The combination of these stresses, and more, can make you feel at your wit’s end from Monday through Friday. The result of this kind of toxic work environment can have dangerous consequences, leading many people to drink to relax, unwind, or forget about the stresses of their workday. This is why addiction treatment for professionals is essential to resolving your alcohol abuse issues.
Some of the common situations that are contributing to higher rates of addiction in the workplace include:
- Long hours
- Stress and excessive workload
- Demanding superiors and unrealistic expectations
- Lack of support staff
- Pressure to get promoted
- Overnight shifts
- Lack of supervision or direction
- Workplace alienation
When an employee’s workload is overly stressful, boring, or isolating, their behaviors can worsen, and alcohol abuse could begin as a way of coping with the daily grind.
Corporate culture can often send messages that may glamorize alcohol and drug use and the dependency on substances to work faster and climb the corporate ladder. For example, when a company organizes events and centers them around alcohol, drinking, “having a good time,” and “letting off steam,” employees may be harmed by the normalization of alcohol abuse.
Peer pressure also factors into addiction in the workplace. This is especially for newer employees who want to fit in faster. Occasional drinking in a social setting is usually not considered harmful. Still, many people can lose control of their alcohol and drug intake and end up needing addiction treatment for professionals to get clean, sober, and take back control over their work-life balance.
The Professions With The Highest Rates of Addiction in the Workplace
Many people drink to unwind or cope with the stresses of the workday. It doesn’t necessarily matter what you do for a living; you can be at risk of alcohol abuse and may need addiction treatment for professionals. While every job has its own set of demands and pressures, alcohol abuse rates will vary based on occupation. Certain professions are associated with higher levels of addiction in the workplace, including the following industries:
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Police
- Manufacturing and construction
- Armed forces
- EMT and firefighters
Identifying Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace
No two employees will experience alcohol abuse the same way. Still, there are common signs to help with identifying addiction in the workplace. By being aware of alcohol abuse, you may be able to help someone struggling and in need of addiction treatment for professionals.
The most common sign of alcohol negatively impacting a career is absenteeism. When employees start to habitually miss work, there could be a problem that needs a professional and holistic approach to care. Those dealing with alcohol abuse miss 34% more days of work than their peers, but there are other signs that may point to alcohol abuse, too, including:
- Glassy or bloodshot eyes
- Slurred speech
- The scent of alcohol on breath and clothes
- Unusual mood swings and lying
- Performance issues, lack of focus, and lateness
- Unusual sluggishness
- Frequent use of the bathroom
- Inappropriate behavior
Learn More at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Learn how an addiction treatment for professionals at Gulf Breeze Recovery can be the starting point for the reshaping of the rest of your professional and personal life. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 833.551.2304 today.
