We all enjoy a glass of wine or a few beers to relax with after a long week at work. It helps us unwind, socialize and it’s the perfect way to sign off for the weekend. But when does that little tipple, that bigger glass or that extra beer, start to turn into a full-blown problem?
Understanding why we drink can help us manage our stress better and make better lifestyle choices. Unfortunately for many professionals, it’s their job that pushes them into the realms of heavy drinking and even substance abuse. Alcohol and/or drugs can help relieve the symptoms of high-stress levels, anxiety, depression and anger, creating a “self-medicating” culture that simply doesn’t work in the long term.
Employers have an obligation to perform random drug tests on their employees at any time, especially if they have concerns over substance abuse among their workforce, their insurance policies demand regular drug testing or they want to reduce workplace accidents – click the link to find out more about Texas drug testing laws.
So, what career paths have the highest rates of addiction amongst its workforce? Read on to find out.
The hospitality sector
Kitchen workers, chefs, hotel workers, restaurant staff or any business that provides high levels of service to the public are at risk of alcohol and substance abuse within its workforce. These roles are often stressful, and employees are often under huge amounts of pressure to get everything right the first time. This combined with long hours, low pay and low job satisfaction makes the hospitality sector a candidate for high rates of addiction.
Construction
Jobs in the construction and mining industry are often considered high risk. They’re also high-pressure jobs with tight deadlines and demanding roles. Again, this leads to high levels of stress within the workforce, and even a bullying culture. It’s these factors that give the construction industry it’s high rates of alcohol and substance abuse. Sadly, the mixture of dangerous working conditions and illicit substances often means more accidents in the workplace.
Healthcare
Believe it or not, those who work within healthcare including doctors, nurses, dentists and consultants are at risk of becoming involved in substance and alcohol abuse. Again, these kinds of roles come with long hours and are both mentally and physically challenging. Often, these jobs are emotive and witnessing traumatic injuries or reactions of parents and loved ones can also play havoc with mental health and the need to find relief. The easy to access to drugs is also a factor that needs to be considered.
Management and business
Long hours, high pressure, cash handling, stressful business relations, problems with homelife – just some of the reasons why those in high-power business roles are considered likely to indulge in drugs and alcohol. Trying to find a balance between home and work life often means turning to illicit substances throughout the day.
Final thoughts…
If you’re worried about your own levels of drinking or substance abuse, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.
