A significant number of Americans continue to battle substance use disorder. The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 17.3% or a whopping 48.7 million people aged 12 or older have substance use disorder. A prior survey indicated that around 60% of Americans over the age of 12 with substance use disorder also have a job.
When thinking about substance use, certain stereotypes might come to mind, but the reality is far more complex and widespread. Substance misuse can affect anyone, regardless of their background or profession.
Have you ever wondered which professions have the highest rates of drug misuse? In this article, we’ll explore the different professions and industries where substance abuse is most prevalent.
Professions With the Highest Rate of Substance Dependence
From high-pressure environments to unique stressors, certain professions are more susceptible to substance dependence than others. Here’s a look at some of the careers where this issue is most prevalent.
Restaurant and Food Service
The restaurant and food service industry covers a wide range of careers and as such has one of the most numbers of employment. Both of these factors contribute to an increased risk of substance use. Add to this the stress, long hours, and easy access to alcohol.
Restaurant and food service workers have been reported to have high levels of illicit drug use. 19.1% reported using illicit substances and 12 % reported alcohol misuse within the last 30 days (2015 NSDUH).
Arts and Entertainment
This industry includes actors, musicians, artists, athletes, even museum curators, and more. Creative industries have long been associated with substance use, and remains true to this day.
Those in the arts and entertainment industry are drawn to illicit substances due to creative pressure, irregular hours, a party culture, and in many ways, a culture that seems to romanticize drug use. This leads to use rates that are way higher than the national average.
Doctors and Healthcare Professionals
Doctors and other healthcare professionals have one of the most high-stress and demanding jobs. For many of these individuals, the pressure of being responsible for the life and well-being of others can be too much. Aside from the stress, these professionals also have easy access to prescription drugs. This factor is thought to contribute significantly to the high rates of substance use with as much as 14% of these professionals having substance use disorder.
Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Legal professionals often work long hours and carry a lot of stress. This combo leads to higher substance dependence rates. The culture of drinking among these professionals also contributes to the fact that one out of five lawyers have drinking problems.
Construction Workers
Construction workers have physically demanding jobs. They also have a high chance of getting injured on the job. These factors lead construction workers to use alcohol and drugs for pain management. The long hours and stress that come with it are also contributing factors.
Mining Industry
Workers in the mining industry have one of the highest rates of alcohol abuse. Like construction workers, they have physically demanding jobs. Add to that the high-stress and hazardous working conditions. Being a male-dominated industry may also be a contributing factor.
Sales and Management
Sales professionals usually have to meet tight deadlines in a highly demanding workspace. They also often engage in socialization activities as part of the job which can contribute to a higher rate of drug and alcohol use.
People in sales and management roles often face intense pressure to meet targets, and maintain high levels of productivity. They also often engage in socialization activities as part of the job which can contribute to a higher rate of drug and alcohol use. Those in management, such as CEOs, are also among the professionals who are least likely to seek help for substance use disorders.
Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders
Police officers, firefighters, and other emergency responders are often exposed to trauma and intense situations. They also work long, sometimes irregular, hours and deal with a lot of stress. All these can get too much and lead these professionals to substance abuse.
Ironically, a high number of police officers working on the street also have drug or alcohol-related problems. Firefighters, on the other hand, exceed the national average for binge drinking by a wide margin.
Military Personnel
Substance misuse among military personnel is a critical issue, exacerbated by the unique stresses of military life, including combat exposure, long deployments, and the high-pressure environment of service. This population is at a higher risk for substance use disorders due to factors such as trauma, isolation, and the prevalence of mental health conditions like PTSD and depression.
Transportation Workers
Another group of workers with high rates of substance use are those working in the transportation industry. The long hours they work along with isolation and the need to stay alert often lead to misuse of substances, particularly stimulants.
Why Do Professionals Turn to Drugs or Alcohol?
Every professional faces different challenges that often contribute to high rates of substance use. But why do they turn to drugs or alcohol? The following are some reasons and factors that may explain their substance misuse:
- High levels of stress that usually come with a demanding job
- Long work hours and irregular work schedules that require workers to stay alert
- Easy access to otherwise heavily regulated substances, especially in the healthcare and food service industries
- Pain caused by highly physical jobs or injuries sustained in the line of work
- Exposure to trauma and intense situations
- Work environments that normalize or even romanticize substance use like in the entertainment industries
- Isolation and boredom due to work setup
- Working side by side with people who misuse substances
- Co-occurring mental health issues that are often made worse by stress on the job
- High expectations in output and performance
How to Address Substance Misuse in the Workplace
Substance misuse in the workplace is more prevalent than you think. This calls for a need to develop strategies and policies to effectively address the problem. Here are some of the things that can be done by both employers and the community:
- Education and Training
Educate employees on the dangers of substance misuse and how to recognize the signs. Managers should also be trained on how to properly respond to signs of substance misuse.
- Clear Policies
Establish clear policies on substance misuse and make sure to strictly enforce them. You can implement regular drug and alcohol testing to deter use.
- Support and Wellness Programs
Have programs in place that support employees struggling with substance use. Provide counseling and resources for employees who are in recovery to help them stay on track.
- Confidentiality
Assure your employees that they can seek help or report substance misuse in confidence. Make sure to make it clear that they can come to management without fear of stigma or job loss.
- Healthy and Supportive Work Environment
Create a work environment where everyone feels safe. Foster a supportive and positive work culture to curb stress and increase job satisfaction.
Substance Use Treatment for Professionals
Substance misuse affects people in different ways. Professionals, for instance, tend to avoid seeking help due to fear of job loss, stigma, and the like. It’s important to take these into consideration to develop treatment plans that can encourage professionals to seek help.
Here are some key steps in ensuring effective treatment for professionals with substance misuse disorder:
- Private counseling that ensures confidentiality and discretion
- Treatment programs created by trained experts and tailored for working professionals
- Supervised detoxification for safe withdrawal symptom management
- Individual and group therapies taking into consideration the needs and preferences of the patient
- Professional-specific support groups to prevent the sense of isolation that often comes with recovery
- Comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention plan
- Programs that facilitate a smooth transition into the workplace
- Activities that promote a healthy and low-stress lifestyle
Get Individualized Therapy for Career Success
We understand that there’s a lot at stake for professionals trying to recover from substance use disorders. At Positive Sobriety Institute, we have cultivated a culture of trust as we have helped many professionals in safety-sensitive and high-accountability careers get back on their feet. We deliver treatment plans tailored to professionals including physicians, lawyers, executives, athletes, and dentists.
Trust in our dedicated team of specialists in Chicago, IL who understand the demands of professional life and are committed to providing discreet, effective care. Take the first step towards recovery with Positive Sobriety Institute. Seek professional help today!
