Work Stress and Alcohol: Do Jobs Influence Consumption?

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Does My Job Cause Me to Drink?

Work stress can affect many professionals, leading them to seek different ways to cope with the immense career pressure they experience. Professionals may cope with feeling overwhelmed in both healthy and unhealthy ways.
 
For many people, having several glasses of wine or chilled beers after the workday is a daily ritual. In fact, according to a SAMHSA study, roughly 16 million people recorded being heavy drinkers for at least a month in the United States in 2022. Alcohol is legal and socially acceptable, and it’s even encouraged in some spaces to help relieve the tension people feel about work. 
 
However, the combination of work stress and alcohol can become problematic for some individuals. Some may even find themselves asking, does my job cause me to drink? 
 
Drinking occasionally at social work events or during celebrations may generally be okay for many people. However, for others, consistently using alcohol to cope with work stress can lead to dependency or alcohol use disorder (AUD) over time.
 
Recognizing that work may be contributing to your drinking can be the first step in changing the outcome and prioritizing your well-being. 
 
The blog post by GateHouse Treatment examines the relationship between work-related stress and alcohol use. We will also explore the factors that drive individuals to misuse alcohol as a coping strategy. Additionally, we aim to guide you in recognizing if your job may be a contributing factor to your drinking. 
 
Finally, we will discuss treatment options for those grappling with work-related stress and alcohol abuse, offering hope for recovery.
 
So, keep reading to learn more about the connection between work stress and alcohol use disorder. In some cases, having access to information can help people avoid the dangers of using alcohol to cope with career stress. 
 
For more information about GateHouse Treatment and how we serve those in the addiction recovery community within Nashua, NH, click here. Visit us here to read our other blogs about addiction, substance use disorder, and recovery.
 

The Link between Work Stress and Alcohol Use Disorder

While everyone experiences stress at work at some point, certain professions may be more prone to higher levels of stress than others. For example, individuals in the following careers and environments are more likely to experience chronic stress levels and report higher substance misuse statistics, according to the National Library of Medicine: 
 
  • Healthcare Industry Works
  • Law Enforcement Employees
  • Finance Industry Workers
  • Construction Workers
  • Educators 
Studies have shown that individuals in general who experience chronic work stress are more likely to engage in heavy alcohol consumption to deal with their challenges. Over time, this use can lead to higher risks of developing alcohol use disorders. 
 
Additionally, other career factors can also reinforce the link between work stress and alcohol use, including: 
 
  • Job Dissatisfaction
  • Poor Work-Life Balance
  • Social Pressure from Colleagues or Superiors

Other Reasons Your Job May Be Causing You to Drink:

 

1. The Drinking Culture at Your Workplace

 
In specific industries, it’s typical for colleagues to socialize and have drinks together after work or even during work hours. While occasional happy hours can have their benefits, if excessive drinking at work becomes a regular occurrence, it can lead to a culture where drinking is usual and even expected. These factors can create challenges for individuals who are trying to reduce their alcohol intake. 
 

2. Job Insecurity

 
The fear of losing one’s job or not meeting expectations can increase stress levels and an inclination toward using alcohol to cope with internal struggles.  
 

Identifying If Your Job Is Harmful

If you find yourself consistently using alcohol to cope with work stress, ask yourself the following questions. Your answers can help to assess whether your job may be causing harm to your well-being:
 
  • Do you experience chronic stress at work?
  • Does your job significantly contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression?
  • Do you feel pressure from colleagues or superiors to drink?
  • Is there a lack of support for managing work-related stress in your workplace?
  • Does knowing you can drink after or during work get you through the day? 
If your answer is yes to several of the questions above, you may be struggling with work stress and alcohol. 
 

The Impacts of Work Stress and Alcohol Use Disorders

The combination of work stress and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several negative impacts, including:
 
  • Increased strain on relationships with colleagues, friends, family, and others
  • Isolation from social interactions and support systems that could prevent overuse of substances
  • Impaired cognitive function
  • Other adverse health effects
All these mental, emotional, and physical effects of alcohol use may begin creating a vicious spiral where drinking leads to decreased productivity, leading to more stress at work, and an increased reliance on alcohol to get through it. 
 

Discussing Addiction Recovery with Your Employer If the Time Comes

Having a conversation with your employer about substance use can be difficult. It may feel uncomfortable or risky to discuss addiction recovery, but recognizing the impact it has on your life is an essential first step to healing. Even if you need to be vague, discussing your situation can help you secure FMLA if you need it now or in the future.
 
Here Are Some Tips for Discussing Substance Abuse with Employers:
 

1. Be Clear and Honest If Possible:

It’s helpful to be open and honest about your situation when speaking to your employer, if possible. While you are not obligated to disclose your struggles with alcohol, explaining that you have a complex condition can help them understand the severity of your battle and how they can support you.
 

2. Explain Your Needs:

Outline the specific yet reasonable needs you may require to recover while still being able to perform at work successfully. Your requests may include:
 
  • More flexible scheduling
  • Time off for therapy appointments.
  • Access to resources and support

3. Understand Your Rights:

Familiarize yourself with your workplace’s policies on substance use and employee support before disclosing your needs or struggles. Additionally, review the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to understand your rights regarding chemical dependency and discrimination.
 

Prioritizing Your Health Over Your Job

Although having a successful career is significant for many, it should never come at the expense of your health, well-being, or life. The following are a few ways to prioritize your mental health while managing work-related stress:
 
  • Recognize Early Warning Signs of Stress: It’s crucial to be mindful of how work impacts your mental health and address any issues early on before you resort to excessive drinking.
  • Set Boundaries: Learn to set boundaries in the workplace, such as limiting overtime and taking breaks when needed. Also, learn to attend events that include alcohol without drinking.
  • Seek Help When You Need It: Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re struggling with addiction or work-related stress. Your health should always come first.

Addiction Treatment Options for Those Struggling with Alcohol and Work Stress

If you are struggling with alcohol and work-related stress, there are various treatment options available. These can include multiple levels of care.
 
The following are a few standard addiction treatment options: 
 
  • Residential Treatment: Residential addiction treatment, most commonly called rehab, provides a safe and clinical environment to focus on your recovery from substance use. Staying in residential treatment also removes you from potential triggers, such as work, giving you the space to heal and focus with fewer outside demands.
  • Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment is a flexible level of care for those who cannot leave their jobs or family responsibilities but still require treatment.
  • Counseling and Therapy: Counseling and therapy can be effective for managing stress and addressing underlying issues that contribute to addictive tendencies. These therapeutic services can be comprehensive and available within residential or outpatient treatments.
  • Addiction Recovery Support Groups: Attending support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide extended support and accountability for maintaining sobriety. If the 12-step model isn’t for you, other options like Refuge Recovery and Smart Recovery can also help.

Work Stress Doesn’t Have to Lead to Coping with Alcohol

For many, alcohol can become a coping mechanism for dealing with work-related stress at times. However, this pattern of behavior can quickly turn into a dangerous cycle that negatively impacts productivity, relationships, and overall well-being, making it vital to address and manage. 
 
Remember that, ultimately, seeking help from addiction is a symbol of strength and that prioritizing your health should always come before perfecting your job performance. 
 
Fortunately, with the proper support and resources, it is possible to break the cycle of using alcohol to cope with external stress and lead a healthier, productive, and fulfilling life. 
 

More about Getting Better with Gatehouse Treatment

GateHouse Treatment offers a range of personalized addiction treatment options for those struggling with various substance use disorders. With a focus on long-term recovery, GateHouse Treatment provides comprehensive care, offering different levels of care to those struggling with varying levels of dependency. 
 
Furthermore, our programs at GateHouse Treatment can often support those with co-occurring disorders like anxiety, ensuring a holistic approach to addiction treatment recovery that helps you stay sober in the long run. 
 
To learn more about us at GateHouse Treatment and our services, contact us via this online link or call us at (855) 448-3588. 
 
Take the first step towards recovery today with GateHouse Treatment. It’s always possible to make a positive change in your life. You deserve it.
Brittany Marie
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