Drug abuse is one of the many dangerous kinds of addiction present in the United States and abroad. Fortunately, treating drug addiction is possible through a drug abuse rehab near you. The services in rehab can help a person become sober. However, remaining sober after treatment is also difficult. In many cases, a person’s occupation will contribute to their drug abuse. For some, avoiding occupations with high rates of drug abuse may be the best option, which begins with asking the question, “which occupations have high rates of drug abuse?”
What is Drug Abuse?
Most people only think of drug abuse as the use of illegal drugs, like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. While this is true, it is not all that the term, drug abuse, entails. Drug abuse is also the use of over-the-counter or prescription drugs for purposes beyond their intended use or when one uses them in excessive amounts.
What are the Common Side Effects of Drug Abuse?
Many of the side effects of drug abuse are dependent on the drug an individual is abusing. However, in any situation, drug abuse will have serious effects on a person’s health, wellbeing, and daily life.
Common side effects of drug abuse include:
- Trauma
- Higher risks for cancer, stroke, heart attack, coma, and death
- Financial issues
- Unemployment
- Relationship problems with friends, family, and more
- Trouble staying and succeeding in school
Consequences of Drug Abuse in the Workplace
As noted, drug abuse can cause issues in the workplace and may even result in a person losing their job. However, there are several other consequences that drug abuse can lead to in the workplace, including:
- Higher accident rates
- Injuries
- Greater potential for fatal accidents
- Increase in absences
- Loss of productivity
- Poor decision-making
- Issues with co-workers and/or managers
- Higher likelihood for theft
Occupational Factors that Often Contribute to Drug Abuse
Nearly every person has the potential to abuse drugs and become addicted to them. However, there are numerous factors that can make a person more likely to abuse drugs, specifically factors in the workplace. These factors include:
- Stressful work environment
- Dissatisfaction with the job itself
- Irregular shifts
- Long hours
- Poor management
- Readily available drugs and/or alcohol
- Repetition
- Boredom
- Isolation
- Fatigue
- Little to no opportunity for advancement
Occupations with High Rates of Drug Abuse
Although anyone has the potential to abuse a drug and develop a drug addiction, there are several occupations in the United States and abroad that typically have factors that contribute to drug abuse. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the following are some of the most common occupations with the highest rates of drug abuse:
Food Service
Of the many common occupations in the U.S., workers in the food service industry have the highest rate of drug abuse. According to SAMHSA’s research, almost 20% of full-time adults who work in food service abuse one or more drugs. Those in food service are always working against the clock and encountering a number of issues. No matter what, they must be timely, which can cause them a great deal of stress while working. It also leaves workers in food service exhausted at the end of their shifts. Some drugs, like stimulants, may even be abused to help provide food service workers with an extra boost of energy to get through their shift.
Arts and Entertainment
Although arts and entertainment is a broad industry with a variety of positions and careers, this industry has the second-highest rate of drug abuse among full-time adults in the United States. According to data from SAMHSA, nearly 14% of those with an arts and entertainment-related occupation abuse drugs. Because this field is so broad, it is hard to determine exact causes or even all of the potential causes. However, a major factor in arts and entertainment is the prevalence of drugs and drug abuse often associated with the culture of the industry. Exposure to drugs and drug abuse typically makes a person more likely to abuse drugs themselves.
Management
The next highest rate of drug abuse in an occupation in the U.S. belongs to those in management. SAMHSA’s research reported that 12.1% of those in management positions had engaged in illicit drug use in the past month. Managers and supervisors have a place in nearly all industries. While each industry is different, managers are typically under extreme stress trying to manage employees, meet deadlines and goals, and even deal with customer issues. These stress factors and their weight on a manager’s mental health can put them at a higher risk for drug abuse.
Construction
Another occupation with a high rate of drug abuse is construction. According to SAMHSA’s report, nearly 12% of individuals working in construction abused one or more drugs in the last month. There are a number of major factors for drug abuse among those in construction. The first of which is the physically demanding work the occupation demands – along with a high risk of injury. Construction work is also fairly irregular. Many workers in construction will find themselves out of work between projects, adding to their stress and making them more likely to abuse drugs.
Retail
Retail businesses are among the most common in the United States. They are also commonly affected by a high rate of drug abuse. SAMHSA’s research indicates that just over 10% of workers in retail abused drugs in the past month. This high rate of abuse can be attributed to a variety of factors. Although retail is usually not physically demanding, retail work is often mentally exhausting, causes enormous stress, and is not paid well, making retail workers likely to abuse drugs.
Searching for a Drug Abuse Rehab Near You?
Drug addiction can be incredibly difficult for a person to overcome. However, with a drug abuse rehab near you, lasting recovery is possible. At Asheville Detox, our team of addiction specialists offer several effective drug abuse treatments and therapies to help you or your loved one. Contact us today for more information!
