Alcohol Addiction in the Workplace

Excessive alcohol use can lead to severe repercussions in professional settings. When people discuss the hazards of alcoholism in the workplace, they often mean employees showing indicators of an alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical term for alcohol addiction.

Within an alcohol use disorder, neurological changes make it challenging to regulate drinking. As a result, a person may continue consuming alcohol even when it negatively affects their job performance and work-related responsibilities.

Although alcohol misuse on the job has numerous adverse effects, practical interventions exist. With proper treatment, individuals can overcome AUD and return to being healthy, productive team members.

Alcohol Abuse Prevalence in Full-Time Workers

A recent study involving full-time employees aged 18 and older revealed that 9.3% met the criteria for an AUD. Most had a mild form of the disorder, with only about 1.2% showing evidence of a severe AUD.

Earlier research indicated that the following job sectors experience the highest rates of heavy drinking:

• Mining (17.5% of workers reported heavy drinking in the past month)
• Construction (16.5%)
• Food services and accommodations (11.8%)
• Arts and entertainment (11.5%)
• Utilities (10.3%)
• Wholesale trade (10.2%)
• Management (9.9%)
• Manufacturing (9.7%)
• Agriculture (9.4%)
• Retail (9.0%)
• Transportation/warehousing (8.8%)
• Real estate (8.5%)
• Information services (8.1%)

Fields like education and healthcare/social services have notably lower heavy drinking rates. Education sees about 4.7% of full-time workers reporting heavy alcohol use in the past month, while healthcare and social services report just 4.4%.

Regardless of the industry, alcohol-related problems at work can significantly impact an organization. For instance, employees without an AUD average around 13 missed workdays per year, whereas those with a mild AUD miss about 17.7 days. This rises to 23.6 days for moderate AUD and 32.3 days for severe AUD.

Work absences and health issues stemming from alcohol misuse can financially strain a company through lost productivity and heightened insurance costs.

Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction in the Workplace

Recognizing early indicators that an employee struggles with alcohol can help reduce the risk of long-term harm. Warning signs include:

• Excessive use of sick leave
• Arriving late or missing work without valid reasons, especially if this is a new pattern
• Frequent urgent personal matters that require leaving work
• Regularly skipping work on particular days (e.g., Mondays or Fridays)
• Ongoing conflicts with colleagues
• Belligerent or aggressive conduct
• Failure to meet important deadlines
• Not reaching productivity or quality targets
• Falling asleep on the job
• Smelling of alcohol during work hours
• Showing withdrawal signs like trembling
• In severe cases, appearing intoxicated or displaying bloodshot eyes and unsteady movement at work

Causes of Alcohol Abuse at Work

There are multiple reasons why alcohol misuse occurs in professional environments. Negative job experiences, including toxic cultures or poor job satisfaction, can contribute to heavy drinking before, during or after working hours.

However, workplace factors may not always be the root cause. Mental health disorders, traumatic childhood experiences, genetic predisposition and a family history of alcoholism can all raise the risk of AUD, regardless of work conditions.

Industries With a Higher Risk of Alcohol Addiction

Certain sectors face higher risks of employee alcohol misuse. Heavy drinking is most common in:

• Occupations involving strenuous physical work, such as mining, manufacturing and construction
• Business management roles
• Entertainment-related jobs
• Blue-collar fields like warehousing and utilities
• Real estate work
• Service industries, including retail, hospitality and food service

Consequences of Alcoholism in the Workplace

Employees who misuse alcohol may experience accidents, injuries, risky behavior and even alcohol poisoning in the short run. Over time, they face serious health issues, which can include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Various cancers
• Depression
• Dementia
• Liver disease
• Compromised immune function

Employers also face challenges. Evidence suggests employees with alcohol problems are more likely to be injured on the job, have absenteeism rates four to eight times higher and lose around five productive workdays per year. They may also need more medical care and face disciplinary measures.

How Does Alcohol Addiction Affect the Bottom Line?

The consequences of alcohol misuse in the workplace extend to an organization’s overall performance and financial health. Increased insurance expenses, diminished productivity and missed shifts all affect the bottom line.

Estimates show that employers bear yearly costs between $33 billion and $68 billion due to alcohol-related issues, influenced by reduced efficiency and higher healthcare spending.

How Employers Can Help Employees Struggling With Alcohol Use Disorder

Given the prevalence of alcohol misuse in professional environments, employers should consider proactive strategies:

• Use Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs offer resources to help employees address personal challenges, including AUD. Short-term counseling or referrals to specialized treatment may be provided.
• Share Information About Support Services: Make sure employees know what community resources exist, like counseling centers, support groups or rehab programs. HR departments can keep this information on-hand or display it in communal areas.
• Encourage Treatment-Seeking: Adopt policies that urge employees with alcohol issues to seek professional help. This benefits the organization since research shows that when people recover, healthcare costs drop by $536 annually, and lower turnover can save employers around $4,000 per year. The overall average savings is about $3,200 per employee per year.
• Set Clear Substance Misuse Policies: Have well-defined workplace policies regarding alcohol and drug use. Consider offering a second chance for struggling employees if they enter treatment, show evidence of successful completion and agree to remain substance-free moving forward.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

Employees dealing with AUD should receive professional intervention. Treatment often starts with medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms, followed by a structured rehab program.

Alcohol rehab can be either inpatient, with patients living full-time at a treatment facility, or outpatient, allowing individuals to reside at home while attending treatment sessions at a clinic. Either way, they will receive medical care, counseling and group therapy.

After formal rehab, ongoing involvement in a recovery community and adherence to an aftercare plan is critical. This may include support group meetings or periodic counseling to maintain sobriety and support long-term success.

Seeking Help Through The Recovery Village Salem

If you or someone you know is facing alcohol misuse issues at work, professional treatment programs can help. The Recovery Village Salem offers evidence-based programs, expert guidance and comprehensive support, helping individuals reclaim their health, productivity and well-being. Contact us today for a confidential discussion on your treatment needs.