Do You Know the Factors of Workplace Substance Abuse?

May 31, 2019

You can find drug abuse in any profession. Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate based on someone’s occupation. Many of these people work in professions that may surprise you. Those who struggle with addiction risk their health and ability to perform their job, which can affect their employment status.

Working professionals who struggle with drug addiction still have families to provide for and need their jobs to do so. Struggling with drug addiction can make holding a job difficult. While addiction can strike anyone in any field, there are factors that put certain professions at the greatest risk for developing a drug addiction. Here are a few risk factors that influence addiction in the workplace:

  • Depression: Arguably one of the most significant risk factors for drug abuse, depression is common in positions like sales and farming where the hours are long and pay can fluctuate. Sales jobs that involve significant travel and time alone can contribute to feelings of depression.
  • High stress: Everyone has stress in the workplace, but law enforcement and healthcare workers risk their personal safety every day, which is especially stressful. These workers are also responsible for protecting the lives of others. Pennsylvania already has a substance abuse program established for law enforcement officials who struggle with addiction.
  • Ease of access to substances: Whether it’s pharmacists or food service workers, having easy access to intoxicating substances can increase the likelihood for substance abuse. One study showed 4-in-5 male restaurant workers and two-thirds of female restaurant workers showed dangerous drinking patterns.

Substance abuse can lead to a number of legal problems as well, from driving under the influence to unlawful possession. The good news is that it’s never too late to change and there are people that want to help. Substance abuse hotlines like this one can get you started on treating your addiction.

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