Alcoholism in the Workplace

Reports show that more than 16 million American adults have an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism in the workplace is also common, probably more common than you think, thanks in large part to a series of situations that contribute to rates of alcohol abuse among professionals. If you or someone you care about is struggling to cope with their work and turning to drinking to get through the business day, learn how the alcohol addiction treatment program at Greater Boston Addiction Centers can help by contacting us online or calling 877.920.6583 today.

What Leads To Alcoholism in the Workplace?

For the majority of American workers, business life can be stressful, hectic, demanding, and seemingly never-ending. The boss needs your work done faster, the client is not happy and is calling again, the technology you need to function is not always cooperating, and you can easily feel at your wit’s end from Monday through Friday. The result of this kind of regular work environment can have dangerous consequences, leading many professionals to drink to relax, unwind, or forget about the stresses of their workday.

Some of the common situations that are contributing to higher rates of alcoholism in the workplace include:

• Long hours
• Stress
• Workload
• Demanding superiors
• Unrealistic expectations
• Lack of support staff
• Pressure to get promoted
• Overnight shifts
• Lack of supervision or direction
• Workplace alienation

Find a Boston Employee Assistance Program

When a professional employee’s workload is overly stressful, boring, or isolating, that kind of alienation can affect their behaviors related to alcohol use and abuse.

Additionally, corporate culture can often subconsciously, or even purposefully, send messages that glamorize alcohol and the dependency on drinking. For example, when a company organizes events and centers them around alcohol, drinking, “having a good time,” and “letting off steam,” employees may understandably learn and develop a dangerous binge drinking behavior because it has been subtly normalized.

An employee assistance program (EAP) can allow people to keep their jobs while they attend treatment for addiction.

Peer pressure also factors into alcoholism in the workplace, especially for newer employees looking to fit in and be seen as equals in the company. Occasional drinking in a social setting is usually not considered harmful, but many employees can too easily lose control of their alcohol intake and end up needing rehab for professionals to get clean, sober, and take back control over their work-life balance.

The Professions With High Rates of Alcoholism in the Workplace

No matter what you do for a living, if you drink to unwind or cope with the stresses of the workday, you are at risk of developing an alcohol use disorder and may need alcohol addiction treatment. While every job has its pressures, drinking rates do tend to vary based on occupation itself, with certain professions being more associated with higher levels of alcoholism in the workplace, including the following industries:

• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Police
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Armed forces
• EMT
• Fire fighting

Identifying Alcoholism in the Workplace

Like snowflakes, no two people experience an alcohol use disorder exactly the same way. That said, there are common signs to help with identifying alcoholism in the workplace. By being aware of these signs, in yourself and in your coworkers, you may be able to help someone struggling and in need of rehab for professionals. Join us in the following programs:

• Outpatient rehab
• Evening outpatient rehab
• Partial hospitalization
• Women’s rehab program
• Men’s rehab program

Signs Someone Needs an Employee Assistance Program

The most common sign of alcohol interfering in a person’s professional life is when they are missing work excessively. Those dealing with alcohol use disorders miss 34% more days of work than their peers, but there are other signs that may point to alcohol abuse, too, including:

• Glassy eyes
• Bloodshot eyes
• Slurred speech
• The scent of alcohol on breath and clothes
• Unusual mood swings
• Performance issues
• Lateness
• Unusual sluggishness
• Lying
• Lack of focus in meetings
• Frequent use of the bathroom
• Inappropriate behavior

Understanding Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol addiction treatment deals with the physical, psychological and social effects of alcohol addiction. It usually involves medical detoxification, counseling and support groups to help recovering addicts deal with the stresses of sobriety. Treatment may also include educational programs or family therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to help recovering individuals get back on track to lead healthy, sober lives.

Alcohol addiction treatment usually involves a combination of medical detoxification and counseling. During the detox process, recovering alcoholics will stop drinking and go through withdrawal while their minds and bodies adjust to life without alcohol. This can be a difficult process that requires professional supervision and support.

Counseling is another key component of alcohol addiction treatment. Counselors can help recovering addicts address the psychological and social factors that may have contributed to their substance abuse, while also teaching them coping strategies and relapse prevention skills to help prevent future relapses. This includes learning how to avoid triggers that may lead to relapse, as well as strategies for managing stress, anger and other strong emotions.

Learn More at Greater Boston Addiction Centers

Learn how an alcohol addiction treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers can be the starting point for the reshaping of the rest of your professional and personal life. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 877.920.6583 today.