By Terri Farrell

Although having a job during addiction recovery is highly beneficial as it helps you maintain a healthy routine in life, there is a connection between your job and addiction that is not as positive. If you are struggling to recover from substance abuse, the type of work you do might be a part of the issue. As a matter of fact, there is a possibility that your job makes you vulnerable to addiction. 

Certain positions actually put individuals at higher risk of developing this disorder. Such jobs typically involve high stress levels, exposure to danger, demanding or odd working hours, or access to drugs and alcohol. And all these factors can considerably contribute to this problem. Therefore, if you recognize yourself in this, you may want to consider changing your career. Alternatively, if possible, you could switch to a different position in the same industry. 

An interesting statistic, provided by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), is that 70% of American citizens with addiction problems have a job. So, on the one hand, there is an increased chance of losing your job due to addiction. On the other, there is also the possibility that your job is putting you at greater risk. 

Types of jobs that could make you vulnerable to addiction

As we have mentioned, high-stress, demanding, and dangerous positions increase your chances of developing a substance abuse disorder. The three most problematic professions, according to a study conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, are those in:

• food service and preparation (with a shocking 17.4% rate of substance abuse)
• construction (with not much lower 15.1% rate of substance abuse)
• entertainment, sports, and media (with a 12.4% rate of substance abuse).

But these three are not alone. There are also medical workers and administration employees, with about 7% rate of opioid abuse, while about 9% of lawyers suffer from drug abuse and about 21% of them are dependent on alcohol.

Let's discuss each of these professions in more detail and try to understand why the situation is so alarming in those positions.

Food service and preparation

Jobs in this field are highly stressful, demanding, and imply odd working hours. In addition, they provide easy access to drugs and alcohol. Kitchen staff and bartenders are at an exceptionally high risk as they typically work long hours in a hectic environment. As a result, they often rely on different substances to keep their spirits high. 

Moreover, the kitchen staff often stays at work until late and sometimes they even have to come back again the following morning. As for bartenders, they are constantly around alcohol, which can be a trigger even in bars where they are forbidden from consuming it while at work. 

Construction 

Construction workers and other manual labor positions such as mining, for instance, see high rates of employees with addiction problems. They work long hours. They are frequently exposed to danger. And they often travel for work and spend time away from their families. 

To make matters worse, since injuries are common in such jobs, the pain is typically treated with opioids, and workers are sent back to work. Also, given how physically demanding manual labor is, workers often consume alcohol to relieve pain. 

Entertainment, sports, and media

People in the entertainment business, professional athletes, and media personalities can easily access illegal and prescription drugs. The entertainment industry is particularly problematic as such behavior is not only expected but also tolerated. As for athletes, they mainly suffer from steroid abuse. So, it's upon their doctor to keep track of how often they request prescriptions for these substances. 

Healthcare workers

Medical professionals are exposed to all sorts of stressors and emotionally and physically draining situations. Besides high stress, healthcare professionals work different shifts and very long hours. This can create problems with their sleep patterns, which can further increase stress, cause anxiety and depression. 

Furthermore, not only do doctors and nurses have access to various prescription drugs, but they also feel very confident that they can control the situation due to their education. So, although medical professionals have half the chance of developing substance abuse disorders than the previously mentioned professions, according to the statistics, their addiction can result in far worse outcomes later. That is because they manage to keep the problem secret longer and are reluctant to ask for help. 

Lawyers

Like medical professions, the law is another field that ticks all the boxes for high risk of addiction. It's a highly stressful profession that demands long working hours. The stress often stems from these professionals feeling conflicted when they have to defend a person they believe is a criminal. Consequently, lawyers often suffer from anxiety and depression, due to which substance abuse issue among them is high. 

What if your job makes you vulnerable to addiction?

Once again, it's essential to underline that if you realize that your job makes you vulnerable to addiction, it's time for a change. Although it's important to find and keep a job as a recovering individual, in some instances, changes are necessary.

In the same manner, although drastic life changes are not advisable for people in recovery, there are situations when they are sensible. For example, moving during addiction treatment is not ideal. However, if you cannot distance yourself from triggers in your current environment, the move becomes a must. The same goes if you cannot establish a solid support system where you currently live.

Thus, if a change in your career requires you to relocate, that may be a good idea. Still, as a recovering individual, you shouldn't put yourself in a situation to suffer additional financial stress. Relocations can be costly. Therefore, it's essential to do your homework, get several moving quotes, and interview a few moving companies before choosing the suitable one. Then, when you find a good deal for your move, you will be able to settle in the new environment without unnecessary worries and pressures and begin anew. 

The bottom line

Individuals in specific positions often rely on substances to keep their energy levels up or help them handle the stress. However, everyone must avoid using various substances as a crutch to get them through the day. In addition, you have to become aware of the problematic habits that naturally develop in particular job positions. If you do, you will be better equipped to avoid them. 

As for the people in charge, they should keep having regular drug testing. It is a way to help reduce the percentage rate of substance abuse in their industries. Also, it may be an incentive for the employees to always be ready for a drug test and abstain from drugs or alcohol. Finally, when an employee doesn't pass the test successfully, employers should refrain from scolding. Instead, they should encourage them to seek help and offer support. 

If you are struggling with recovery and think your job makes you vulnerable to addiction, don't hesitate to seek professional help. At Live Rite, we will provide you with resources for long-term recovery. We organize support group meetings, help with housing, employment, and clothing, and organize education and training courses.

By Terri Farrell