There are certain professions that have been found to have more people struggling with substance abuse. These people are using drugs or alcohol more commonly than in any other profession or industry, also making them at high risk for developing addictions.
There are many factors that bring a person to use drugs or alcohol. Genes, environment, and early introduction to these substances are just some of the factors. However, one of the biggest reasons why they turn to these substances is to cope with high level of job-related stress and anxiety.
When people are put in high-stress situations, their bodies react to it with built-in or developed stress response. This includes feelings of agitation, anxiety, depression, aggression, and helplessness. Being in an environment, a workplace, where stress is always at a high, people can begin find ways to manage this stress, and one way is to self-medicate with destructive substances such as drugs and alcohol.
Here are the top 5 professions that have an increased risk for substance abuse:
Careers with High Risk for Substance Abuse
5. Healthcare. There’s a high rate of substance abuse among those who work in the healthcare industry. From nurses to physicians and clinical practitioners, the technically, physically, and emotionally taxing jobs make them turn to addictive substances, from coffee to cigarettes, to cocaine. They also have more access to prescription drugs that they can abuse.
4. Business Management. In this career, the higher you are in the hierarchy, the greater the responsibility–and stress levels. High-level managers, executives, CEOs and business owners are more prone to resorting to drugs and alcohol to manage responsibilities.
3. Entertainment and the Arts. This profession, despite being part of entertainment and recreation careers, puts people in a tremendously high pressure to perform, which leads to substance abuse. They are open for people to criticize and scrutinize, and this can be very disorienting. Furthermore, many people in this creative industry also have other mental disorders or develop them later on. Celebrities, actors, painters, directors, writers, and even athletes are in this category.
2. Construction and Mining. More people working in construction and mining have alcohol problems compared to anyone in any industry. Many also use illicit drugs. Unfortunately, many of them are even under the influence even when on the job, which is highly dangerous.
1. Food Service and Hospitality. People working in establishments that provide food, drinks, and lodging to customers are more likely to have substance abuse than any other profession. This is most likely due to the late and often irregular working hours, high demands, low pay, the need to constantly provide good customer service, the need to always be on their best behavior despite even the most horrible and unexpected situations, and the requirement to always be positive and friendly at all times.
Still, whatever your career is, whether you’re even employed or not, the risk for substance abuse and addiction is still there. Therefore, it’s still best to seek help from people who know how to help you get out of the destructive cycle. You can call us at Bridges of Hope: 09175098826.
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