There are many professions linked to alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. The high stakes, long hours, erratic schedules, and exposure to traumatic experiences that many professionals experience lead some to consume alcohol or illegal drugs to cope with the stress.
High addiction rates in specific jobs are a well-known problem in the medical community, with many surveys exploring the reasons why some industries seem to have more problems with addiction than others.
These are some of the professions with the highest drug use among individuals in them.
1. Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals work long hours, experience the emotional toll of patient care every day, and have easy access to prescription medications, leading to a perfect storm that can contribute to higher risks of substance abuse and addiction.
As a result, healthcare professionals are not only not immune to the addictions they help overcome, but they are likely to experience them themselves. A 2015 SAMHSA survey shows that healthcare professionals had a 5.5% rate in the past year of substance use disorder, a 5.7% rate in the past month of illicit drug use, and a 4.4% rate in the past month of heavy alcohol use.
2. Law Enforcement and First Responders
Law enforcement officers and first responders such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services face daily stress from life-threatening situations, witnessing human suffering, and the responsibility of making split-second decisions. These high-pressure conditions can lead to post-traumatic stress, which may lead some to turn to substances as a coping mechanism.
A 2010 study of police officers in urban areas determined that male and female officers reported alcohol use levels considered to be “at-risk” by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The rates were 11% for male and 16% for female officers.
3. Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Lawyers and legal professionals operate in high-stress conditions, facing intense pressure to meet deadlines, manage long work hours, and navigate the emotional weight of human suffering in their cases. This environment can foster high levels of anxiety and depression, leading some to self-medicate with substances.
Many legal professionals start abusing substances during their studies. Around 43% of law students have binge drinking in the past two weeks, according to a 2015 study, with about 25% of law students qualifying for alcohol use disorder. Additionally, a Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation survey found that 36% of legal professionals qualify for alcohol use disorder.
These problems are compounded by a reluctance to seek help due to believing that seeking addiction treatment would reduce their chances of passing the bar.
4. Finance and Banking Professionals
Finance and banking professionals work under high stress, for long hours, and face intense pressure to perform. The constant push for success and the high-stakes nature of their work can contribute to significant stress and anxiety that some cope with using substances.
The 2015 SAMHSA survey reveals that professionals in finance and insurance exhibit a 9.4% rate of past-year substance use disorder, a 7.4% rate of past month illicit drug use, and a 7.4% rate of past month heavy alcohol use.
5. Hospitality Industry Workers
Hospitality industry workers experience irregular hours, often for low pay, while managing high customer service demands. All of this takes place in a workplace culture that sometimes normalizes substance use, increasing stress and the risk of addiction.
The SAMHSA survey shows that this sector has some of the highest rates of drug abuse among the surveyed industries, with a 19.1% prevalence of past month illicit drug use, a 16.9% rate of past year substance use disorder, and an 11.8% rate of past month heavy alcohol use.
6. Arts and Entertainment Professionals
Professionals in the arts and entertainment industries also face erratic schedules, inconsistent income due to the nature of entertainment work, and the pressure to perform to a high level.
Additionally, entertainment workers also have to network and socialize extensively to get ahead, leading to situations where alcohol and drugs can be expected, and there can be a lot of pressure to conform by consuming them with others. Finally, successful artists and entertainers may have to deal with the mental stress of being constantly scrutinized in the public eye.
The 2015 SAMHSA survey data shows that people in these fields reported a 13.7% rate of past month illicit drug use rate, an 11.5% rate of past month heavy alcohol use, and a 12.9% rate of past year substance use disorder rate.
7. Veterans and Military Personnel
Veterans and military personnel have historically endured intense and traumatic experiences during service that can lead to mental health issues like PTSD, which may lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. The culture of stoicism and self-reliance in the military can also deter seeking help, potentially leading to self-medication.
For veterans and military personnel, alcohol is the primary substance of abuse, with 65% of veterans who enter treatment centers experiencing alcoholism. Opioid use is also a concern, with around 13% of veterans who receive opioids for pain developing an opioid use disorder.
Additionally, veterans have a higher risk of abusing prescription drugs than the general population, with around 23% of veterans who received prescription opioids abusing them.
Resources and Support for Professionals with Addiction
Like any person facing addiction, professionals require multifaceted approaches that involve clinical treatment and medications, if necessary, coupled with peer support and self-care practices.
If you need more time to be ready to take the first step toward treatment, talking about it with someone trained to speak with people in your situation may be helpful. SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) offers a confidential, free, 24/7, 365-day-a-year service, providing information in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing mental or substance use disorders.
This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Additionally, here are some other resources about addiction and health that professionals may find helpful:
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): A government agency that shares knowledge about the consequences of alcohol and alcoholism, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment options.
- MedlinePlus: A treasure trove of health information, including substance use disorders.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): This health agency under the Department of Health and Human Services provides statistics and raises awareness about addiction and many other health-related topics.
It’s also important to consider the Department of Labor’s Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA or the Act), which provides employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected unpaid leave under certain conditions. One such condition is a “serious health condition,” which may include an addiction.
Preventive Measures and Workplace Wellness Initiatives
Helping professionals in industries with high addiction rates may involve industry-specific support programs, raising awareness about the risks of substance use in the industry, and offering counseling and rehabilitation services.
Here are some potential strategies:
- Establishing comprehensive wellness programs. Employers could develop wellness programs beyond physical health, including mental health and substance abuse resources. This can involve providing access to counseling services, mental health leave, and resources for stress management.
- Implementing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). EAPs are workplace interventions designed to help employees resolve personal problems through confidential assessments, short-term counseling, and referrals for additional help.
- Using flexible work arrangements when possible. Flexible work schedules can help employees maintain a better work-life balance, reducing stress and the potential for substance abuse.
- Performing regular screening and health assessments. Regular health assessments that include mental health screenings can help identify issues early.
- Training managers and supervisors. Training leaders to recognize the signs of substance abuse and mental health issues can help spot issues early and provide the preparation they need to intervene appropriately.
Addiction is a complicated condition that manifests uniquely for everyone and certain high-stress industries create conditions where addiction is more likely.
Additional factors like normalized drug use in the workplace, a culture of not sharing vulnerable feelings with peers, and the fear of losing your job if you enter rehab can increase the risk of addiction for many professionals.
With so many factors at play, solutions require individuals and organizations to collaborate in both detecting and treating substance abuse in the workplace. While taking the first step is a very daunting prospect for many, it’s crucial to find recovery at a personal level and promote a culture of wellness in industries with high addiction rates.
