Professions With High Addiction Rates

It’s estimated that between eight and 10 percent of U.S. adults have a substance use disorder. However, in certain industries, these rates are higher than average.

Substance Abuse Rates In The Police Force

Surveys suggest that as many as 30 percent of those in first responder professions, including the police force, experience some form of substance abuse.

The police force contends with higher rates of substance abuse due to the stressful nature of the job, frequent exposure to traumatic incidents, and the demanding culture of law enforcement.

Additionally, shift work and disrupted sleep patterns coupled with easy access to prescription medications further contribute to the susceptibility of officers.

The police culture itself, at times, may tolerate or normalize substance use, creating an environment where individuals feel compelled to conform.

Finally, the lack of adequate mental health support, coupled with job insecurity, performance pressure, and limited coping resources, can drive some officers to self-medicate with substances.

Substance Abuse Rates In The Healthcare Industry

Studies in the United States have shown that 10 to 15 percent of healthcare workers will misuse substances during their lifetime.

Furthermore, rates of prescription drug abuse and addiction are five times higher among physicians than in the general population. Benzodiazepine and opioid abuse are the most common.

Healthcare professionals face demanding work environments with long hours, high-pressure situations, and emotional stressors, contributing to heightened levels of job-related stress.

Additionally, healthcare workers have easier access to prescription medications, creating a potential risk for misuse or dependence.

The stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues within the healthcare community may further discourage individuals from seeking appropriate support.

Substance Abuse Rates Among Lawyers And Attorneys

A study conducted by the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs showed that nearly 21 percent of lawyers had disordered drinking.

When researchers asked follow up questions, that number jumped to over 36 percent of attorneys.

Lawyers often face intense workloads, high levels of competition, and the expectation of delivering successful outcomes for their clients.

The adversarial nature of legal practice, combined with the emotional toll of dealing with challenging cases, can contribute to chronic stress and burnout.

Additionally, the prevalence of alcohol-centric networking events within the legal profession may contribute to a culture where social drinking becomes a normalized means of dealing with stress.

Substance Abuse In The Entertainment Industry

According to a 2016 study, alcohol and illicit drug use rates in the entertainment industry fell between 11.5 percent and 13.7 percent, compared to 8.7 percent of all surveyed workers.

The entertainment industry places individuals under intense public scrutiny, creating an environment where image and success are paramount.

The pressure to maintain a certain appearance, cope with rejection, and navigate the unpredictable nature of the industry can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Additionally, irregular working hours, long shoots, and the prevalence of social events where substance use is normalized may contribute to an increased risk of substance abuse.

The culture within the entertainment industry, which may glamorize or tolerate certain behaviors, can further contribute to a higher incidence of substance use as a coping mechanism.

Substance Abuse Rates For Veterans

The number of veterans who have been diagnosed with episodes of binge drinking has increased from 14 percent to nearly 16 percent since 2013.

According to surveys, binge drinking among American veterans was highest in Hawaii (21.5 percent), Nevada (20.5 percent), and Wisconsin (20.1 percent).

Substance abuse rates are often higher among military veterans who face difficulties adjusting to the civilian environment and dealing with the aftermath of traumatic experiences during service.

The unique stressors of military life, such as combat exposure, can contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions, increasing vulnerability.

Additionally, access to healthcare services and mental health support can be barriers for some veterans, leading to self-medication through substance use.

Substance Abuse Rates In The Food Service Industry

Over 21 percent of food service industry workers say they use drugs and alcohol multiple times a week outside of work, and over 40 percent consider substance use part of their work culture.

Furthermore, when caught using illicit substances at work, 30 percent of workers faced no repercussions.

The fast-paced and high-stress environment, combined with long and irregular working hours, can contribute to stress, fatigue, and burnout among people working in restaurants.

Additionally, the physically demanding nature of the work and the prevalence of late-night shifts may lead some individuals to use substances as a way to cope with the pressures of the job.

Access to alcohol and a culture that encourages social drinking among coworkers can also contribute to an environment where substance use is more prevalent.

Substance Abuse Rates In The Construction Industry

According to surveys, 15 percent of all construction workers in the United States have a substance abuse disorder compared to only 8.6 percent of the general population of adults.

Construction workers frequently face physically demanding tasks, workplace injuries, and long hours, creating an environment where individuals turn to substances as a means of coping.

Furthermore, the culture prevalent in the construction industry, which often glorifies toughness and resilience, may discourage workers from openly addressing mental health concerns.

Access to prescription pain medications for work-related injuries poses an additional risk for misuse.

Finally, the transient nature of construction work and job insecurity can contribute to higher stress levels, potentially influencing substance abuse patterns.

Get Addiction Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is experiencing substance abuse due the culture or pressure of your work environment, treatment can help. Contact Bedrock Recovery Center today to learn more.