Government research groups estimate that close to 10% of the U.S. adult population is addicted to either drugs, alcohol, or both. Substances impact a person’s brain from one individual to the next in the same way, and no one is immune to addiction after the first hit. But some people are at higher risk of becoming addicted than others. Genetic and temperament traits and environmental stress can influence a person to use drugs and become addicted. Studies have also found that certain professions come with higher drug addiction and abuse rates than others. But is this because addicted persons are drawn to these professions? Or is it because the occupations themselves are responsible for increasing a person’s propensity toward addictive behavior?

What jobs have the highest rates of addiction, and why? 

Research indicates that people employed within the hospitality and recreation industries have the highest rates of drug abuse and addiction among professionals. The construction and mining industries possess some of the highest rates of alcohol abuse. Exposure to these particular substances within the workplace or industry culture may be to blame, as well as the stress and pressure that is unique to those types of professions. Stress and adverse mental health symptoms are all significant triggers for drug or alcohol abuse. 

Men are more likely to abuse both drugs and alcohol than women, and younger people are more likely to abuse substances than older workers. The fact that construction and mining jobs have more male than female workers can explain the higher rates of addiction in these industries. Also, recreation and hospitality jobs tend to attract and retain younger workers, which could also explain drug use rates in these industries. Studies also indicated that wages and also geography play a role in abuse and addiction rates in some professions. 

Doctors and healthcare workers have the same rates of addiction as the general population – around 10%. However, doctors and healthcare workers are more likely to abuse prescription drugs than their patients. Doctors and healthcare workers tend to abuse prescription drugs because the opportunity to obtain these drugs is relatively simple for these professionals. They are also likely to abuse drugs as a way to cope with stress, emotional, and even physical pain. Emergency room doctors and psychiatrists were the most likely to abuse drugs, while surgeons and pediatric doctors have the lowest rates of drug use. Anesthesiologists have the highest rates of opioid addiction than other healthcare professionals. Surgeons have the highest standards of tobacco use, and female surgeons have the highest rates of alcohol abuse than other healthcare workers. 

Attorneys also have some of the highest rates of addiction than other professional industries. Young attorneys are at particularly high risk of abusing alcohol and becoming addicted. Substantial levels of stress and pressure are pronounced during the early part of an attorney’s career when they are trying to get established and pay off student loans. 

Food service workers also have high levels of drug use than other industries. Past-month illicit drug use among these workers is as high as 19%. The fact that these workers tend to be primarily young and subject to stressful shift work can explain the rates in this industry. Workers may abuse stimulants to stay awake during long shifts and to deal with the stress that often accompanies working in a customer-facing service job. Low wages and irregular hours can also increase stress and influence someone to use drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain and anxiety. 

High ranking professionals, such as CEO and company owners, do not necessarily abuse drugs or alcohol at rates more substantial than the general population. However, they are some of the most reluctant to seek treatment for a variety of reasons that are unique to their professional position. Most don’t fear losing their job because of addiction, but they are concerned with missing work to get treatment. They are also worried about how their reputation will be impacted if they enter a program. People in high-ranking positions also feel isolated and don’t have the support of peers that people in more modest professions may have. A lack of support is a significant barrier to treatment, and also maintaining sobriety for anyone, regardless of their job. 

Why is it socially acceptable for some professions to drink heavily or abuse drugs?

In industries where professionals are primarily young, such as the food service or recreation industries, peer pressure and the availability of drugs can normalize the behavior. For lawyers, especially, heavy drinking is often seen as a “normal” part of coping with the stresses of the job. 

How can drug and alcohol addiction be addressed in some of these industries?

Drug addiction has a social stigma and drinking because it is legal, may not seem like a problem to many people. But becoming educated about addiction and how to address it head-on can lower the rates of abuse and addiction in these industries. For example, the American Bar Association (ABA) became alarmed at the high rates of drinking in attorneys. The ABA began searching for reasons why attorneys were experiencing increased rates of alcohol addiction, and the billable-hour payment model was linked to stress, exhaustion, and burnout among lawyers. Stress and fatigue are significant triggers for drug and alcohol use. Since then, the ABA started to advise attorneys on how to switch to different, less stressful payment methods. 

Drug abuse and addiction will look different for everyone, but working to eliminate societal stigma and also making treatment options more readily available for individuals, regardless of their profession, will reduce addiction rates across the board. Providing workplace benefits, and substance use counseling can also help employers reduce rates of addiction among their workers. Taking time off for addiction counseling and rehab is often less costly in the long run for both employer and employee than avoiding treatment. 

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, contact Mission Harbor Behavioral Health today. Representatives are standing by to answer your questions about substance use and addiction treatment.