Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect millions of individuals, leading to significant challenges in health, relationships, and job performance. These disorders involve the misuse of alcohol or drugs, often stemming from stress, environmental factors, or mental health struggles. Some careers show higher rates of SUDs due to demanding work conditions, job-related stress, or workplace cultures that normalize substance use. Learn the eight careers with the highest rates of substance use disorders and strategies for recovery.
Understanding the Study
The data in this blog come from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which studied substance use patterns among U.S. workers between 2008 and 2012. The survey focused on adults aged 18 to 64 employed full-time, and it evaluated rates of past-year substance use disorder. SUDs were defined using criteria from the DSM-IV and included conditions related to alcohol or illicit drug misuse. Data was collected through structured surveys, connecting participants’ substance use behaviors with their job industries to highlight trends and risk factors.
Accommodations and Food Services
The accommodations and food services industry has the highest rate of SUDs, affecting 16.9 percent of full-time workers. This sector includes roles in restaurants, hotels, and bars, where chaotic schedules, long hours, and physical demands are the norm. For many workers, these conditions create high levels of stress, making alcohol or drugs a tempting way to relax or cope.
Furthermore, alcohol is often readily available to workers in this industry, especially for bartenders and servers. The culture in some workplaces may even normalize drinking after a shift or during breaks. Combined with low wages, job insecurity, and customer-facing stress, these factors put workers at higher risk.
Construction
Construction workers have the second-highest rate of SUDs among industries at 14.3 percent. This job demands intense physical labor, often leading to chronic pain or injuries that some manage with prescription painkillers or alcohol. The high-pressure environment includes tight deadlines, safety risks, and seasonal job instability, adding to an already challenging career.
The workplace culture in construction may also contribute to substance use. A “tough it out” mindset might discourage workers from seeking help for stress or mental health struggles, leading some to self-medicate. Addressing these challenges through education, healthcare benefits, and mental health resources could help reduce substance use in this field.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
This industry, encompassing jobs in music, theater, sports, and recreation, reports a 12.9 percent SUD rate. Workers in creative or performance-based roles often face significant pressure, from public scrutiny to irregular hours and financial uncertainty. These stressors can lead some individuals to turn to substances to cope with anxiety or to maintain energy during demanding schedules.
Social environments in this field can also contribute to substance use. Parties, events, and nightlife are a big part of the culture, which can create an environment where alcohol or drug use feels commonplace. Without adequate support networks or tools for managing stress, workers in this sector may be vulnerable to developing SUDs.
Mining
At 11.8 percent, mining is one of the career fields with the highest rates of substance abuse disorders. Miners often face exhausting physical labor, long shifts in isolated locations, and safety risks that make the job physically and mentally taxing. This isolation and lack of social support can make it harder for individuals to manage stress or seek help.
Substance use can sometimes become a coping mechanism for pain or loneliness. Additionally, the close-knit nature of mining communities may create an environment where alcohol consumption is perceived as typical, heightening the risks.
Utilities
Workers in the utilities sector maintain vital services such as electricity, gas, and water systems, and, unfortunately, they reported an SUD rate of 11.5 percent. These are high-stakes jobs that require focus and precision, as mistakes can have serious consequences for both employees and the public. The constant pressure to meet performance standards under stressful conditions can contribute to substance use.
Shift work and unpredictable hours can also hinder a healthy work-life balance, leading some employees to turn to substances for stress relief or relaxation. By implementing wellness programs and encouraging open dialogue about mental health, utility companies could help reduce substance use among employees.
Management
Management roles, including business administration and waste management services, report an SUD rate of 11.4 percent. These jobs often come with significant responsibility, requiring individuals to oversee teams, make critical decisions, and meet tight deadlines. The pressure can lead to burnout, making alcohol or drugs seem like an appealing escape.
Additionally, the long hours and mental demands leave little time for self-care, increasing the risk of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Employers who foster a culture of work-life balance and provide stress management resources can make strides in reducing substance use in these positions.
Retail Trade
Workers in retail trade show a 10.5 percent SUD rate. In fast-paced retail environments, employees frequently interact with difficult customers and work long, irregular hours. These issues, combined with low incomes and minimal job security, highlight why retail workers may be vulnerable to substance misuse.
Alcohol or drugs might serve as a temporary escape for workers looking to unwind after demanding shifts. The lack of accessible mental health or substance abuse resources in this industry further compounds the issue, underscoring the importance of workplace programs that promote mental well-being.
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
This industry also sees a 10.5 percent SUD rate, affecting workers in physically intensive, outdoor roles. These jobs often come with long, unpredictable hours, especially during planting or harvesting seasons. Workers may experience stress due to adverse weather conditions, financial uncertainties, or the physical toll of their work.
Additionally, many roles in this field are in rural areas, where access to healthcare and mental health services may be limited. The isolation and lack of resources can make it harder for individuals to manage stress or seek help, putting them at greater risk for substance use disorders.
Treating Substance Use Disorders
While some workers turn to alcohol for relaxation or pain relief, others begin using stimulants such as Adderall or cocaine to boost energy, focus, or their mood. Over time, repeated use affects how the brain regulates dopamine, leading to dependency. Overcoming stimulant addiction can be challenging, but effective treatments are available to help.
Stimulant addiction treatment often includes therapy, support groups, and a personalized approach to address both the addiction and its underlying causes, such as stress or trauma. While there are no specific medications approved for stimulant addiction, ongoing research shows promise for future solutions. Personalized treatment focuses on breaking the cycle of addiction, rebuilding self-confidence, repairing relationships, and developing healthier ways to handle stress. With the right care and resources, recovery is possible, and individuals can look forward to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Substance use disorders aren’t limited to any single industry, but certain job environments are linked with higher rates due to stress, workplace culture, or physical demands. Recognizing the factors that contribute to substance misuse in these industries is the first step toward creating safer, healthier workplaces. Through education, access to mental health resources, and compassionate interventions, employers and communities can help workers overcome these challenges and thrive.
