Addiction and drug use are on the minds of millions of Americans as the nation’s substance use disorder epidemic continues to rage on, seemingly unabated. But, there have always been a few industries and fields with more than their share of drug use and addiction. Here are the 7 jobs with the most substance abuse.
Drug Use in Hospitality & Food Service
As far as jobs with the most substance abuse goes, hospitality and food service rank highly. Almost 10% of America’s workforce can be found in restaurants, bars, and hotels. This work generally appeals more to people under 40. Still, anyone working as a waitperson, bartender, kitchen staff, or any of the other positions in this industry is likely to encounter long working hours, often on their feet for most of the time. Late nights, a fast-paced work environment, demanding customers, and pressure from management all contribute to a high-stress work environment.
On top of all of these factors, there’s also competition for tips and the prevalence of cash on hand, and it’s a nearly perfect formula for addiction and drug use. Per The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 19.1% of the hospitality and food service workers who responded admitted to using marijuana, cocaine, opioids, or illicit amphetamines in the past month. 16.9% of those who responded said they had been diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Nearly 12% of respondents also reported heavy drinking. This makes hospitality and food service the field with the most addiction and drug use.
Addiction Among Construction Workers and The Trades
Construction work comes with incredible physical demands. While workplace safety has improved substantially over the years, workplace injuries and chronic pain are still far more common in construction work and the trades, than in many other fields. Construction workers, carpenters, ironworkers, plumbers, and welders all put great demands on their bodies. Where there are serious injuries and pain, opioids soon follow. Opioid addiction among construction workers is higher than in almost any other industry. At least 1.2 million construction workers use opioids annually. While not every one of them will develop a substance use disorder, many do and find it necessary to enter treatment for opioid dependence.
Attorneys and Addiction
This one may surprise some people, but the legal profession is one of the fields/jobs with the most substance use. While not everyone has a high opinion of lawyers, we don’t always associate lawyers with drug use. The truth is that more than 9% of lawyers surveyed reported struggling with prescription drug use. The same survey found that 18.1% of lawyers reported that heavy drinking had been a problem for them (according to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, version C). Whether it’s alcohol, cocaine, Adderall or other stimulants, opioid painkillers or benzodiazepines, like Xanax – it would seem that America’s attorneys have more than their share of substance use disorders.
Substance Abuse Among Healthcare Workers
Here is another group of professionals that struggle with addiction at a higher rate than many people might suspect. An estimated 10-14% of doctors, nurses, CNAs and other healthcare workers have substance use disorders. A 2012 survey published by JAMA Surgery found that 15.4% of American surgeons suffered from an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Working in healthcare can be extremely demanding, both physically and emotionally. It frequently requires long hours on your feet, making literally life or death decisions and encountering sources of primary and secondary trauma. Add to that the fact that many healthcare workers have a greater working knowledge of prescription controlled substances than most people, as well as more access to them.
Entertainers and Performers
As far as jobs with the most substance abuse goes, this category may be somewhat less surprising to most of us. Still, people who work in the music and entertainment industries have a much higher than average rate of substance use disorders. We’ve all seen high-profile actors and musicians bare their souls when discussing their battles with addiction before — but addiction in the entertainment industry isn’t limited to those in the limelight. Roadies, key grips, production staff, drivers and the many, many other workers who make the glitz and glitter possible also get caught up in the undertow of alcoholism and drug abuse in the entertainment industry. The reasons why vary, but work pressure, long hours and travel that takes people away from their families for weeks or months at a time are likely contributing factors.
Sales and Substance Use Disorders
Sales jobs frequently feature fast-paced, high-pressure work environments. More often than not, salespeople work partly (or entirely) on commissions, which means a direct correlation between how productive they are at work and their paycheck. Money is a powerful motivator for most of us and sales work attracts especially ambitious, ‘Type A’ personalities. The pressure to perform, long hours, fast living and oversized egos found in much of the sales world can be a perfect cauldron for brewing addictions to alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines and opioids. Whether it’s to relieve stress or in an attempt to improve work performance, many salespeople fall into the trap of addiction and find it necessary to seek treatment for a substance use disorder.
Law Enforcement, Firefighters and Paramedics
This final category may be another that surprises some people. Most of us are accustomed to thinking of police, firefighters and EMTs as some of the most responsible people around. The fact that substance use disorders are more prevalent among first responders should not change that perception. Addiction does not discriminate. This is a behavioral disorder that “doesn’t care” how responsible, dedicated or disciplined you are.
Police in America are under more pressure than ever perhaps. With violence and property crimes spiking and public opinion of the police wavering in some areas, it should come as no surprise that America’s cops are coping with more stress than usual. As first responders, firefighters and paramedics often encounter traumatic scenes the likes of which most of us will never witness. Even the strongest and bravest individuals are only human and can’t help but be affected. So, it’s no wonder that the incidence of addiction, PTSD and other conditions among first responders is higher than the general population as a whole.
Atlanta Detox Center Can Help You Find Freedom
Those are the 7 fields/jobs with the most substance use. While these industries in particular stand out, it’s important to remember that addiction is a disease that can affect anyone from any place, background, ethnicity, age, income bracket, you name it.
Addiction doesn’t have to rule your life. The key to freedom is willingness. All it takes is enough willingness to pick up the phone and try a different way of life to make your start in recovery. We won’t tell you that recovering from addiction is easy. But, it is absolutely possible. Millions of people just like you or the one you love do it every year.
Atlanta Detox Center is Georgia’s premier drug and alcohol treatment center. If you or someone you love is ready to stop letting addiction call the shots, we can help. Atlanta Detox Center offers hotel-like accommodations, complete medical detox and residential treatment for substance use disorders. We can help – but only if you make the call.
You and the people you care for deserve the Atlanta Detox Center standard of care. Contact us today at (470) 450-2355 to begin living better today.
