Substance Use Disorder (SUD) affects 10-12% of U.S. adults, impacting their health, relationships, and careers. Many of these individuals remain employed, often struggling to balance addiction with work responsibilities. Research shows that certain professions carry a higher risk of substance abuse, influenced by workplace stress, job culture, and accessibility to substances.
Jobs with the highest addiction rates
1. Hospitality & food service industry
Research shows this profession has the highest rate of substance use disorders (16.9%) and illicit drug use (19.1%) compared to other industries.
This high-risk industry is influenced by several factors:
- High-stress environments: Demanding shifts, customer service pressure, and physically exhausting work contribute to substance use.
- Low wages & job instability: Financial strain and high turnover rates increase stress and the likelihood of substance misuse.
- Late hours & workplace culture: Many employees turn to alcohol or drugs to relax after shifts or to maintain energy during long work hours.
A study on national restaurant chain employees found that 80% of male workers and 64% of female workers engaged in dangerous alcohol use patterns, highlighting the severity of substance abuse in this industry.
2. Arts & entertainment industry
Many musicians, actors, and performers face high stress and irregular hours, increasing their vulnerability to addiction.
Studies show that professionals in this field report 14% illicit drug use and 11.5% excessive alcohol consumption in the past month, higher than many other industries.
Key risk factors in this industry include:
- Public scrutiny & performance pressure: The pressure to meet expectations and maintain an image can lead to self-medication with drugs or alcohol.
- Industry culture: Social events, after-parties, and high accessibility to substances make substance use more prevalent.
- Unpredictable schedules: Late-night performances, inconsistent income, and high travel demands create instability.
3. Healthcare professionals
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers face high-stress environments, exposure to trauma, and easy access to prescription medications, all of which contribute to substance use disorders. Studies estimate that 10-14% of healthcare professionals struggle with addiction.
Alcohol use is also prevalent in this profession. A 2012 study of U.S. surgeons published in JAMA Surgery found that 15.4% suffered from alcohol use disorder (AUD), with female surgeons reporting higher rates (25.6%) than their male colleagues (13.9%).
4. Legal Professionals
Despite their reputation for discipline and structure, lawyers and legal professionals experience high rates of substance abuse, particularly alcohol use.
A 2016 American Bar Association study of 13,000 lawyers found that 20% suffered from alcohol use disorder or engaged in excessive drinking, twice the rate of other highly educated professionals) than their male colleagues (13.9%).
Younger legal professionals are particularly at risk for substance use disorders and mental health issues, as they face intense competition and the pressure to perform early in their careers.
5. The construction & mining industries
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 15% of construction workers have substance abuse issues, with 16.5% engaging in heavy alcohol use, the second-highest rate among all industries.
Opioid use is a particular concern. A study from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health found that construction and mining workers accounted for 26% of all fatal opioid overdoses in the state between 2011 and 2015.
Mining professionals also report the highest rates of heavy alcohol use among all industries. Despite strict drug testing and safety protocols, alcohol misuse remains a serious concern. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration has introduced educational and screening programs, yet alcohol abuse rates have continued to rise.
6. Management professionals
Management professionals, from factory floor supervisors to corporate executives, face unique challenges that contribute to high substance abuse rates.
The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 12.1% of management professionals reported illicit drug use in the past month, while 11.4% had been diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the past year.
Management professionals may turn to stimulants to maintain energy levels or alcohol to unwind, which can lead to dependency over time.
7. Sales professionals
According to SAMHSA data, 10.9% of real estate, rental, and leasing professionals and 10.3% of retail sales workers reported illicit drug use in the past month.
Additionally, 10.5% of retail sales professionals and 10.4% of wholesale sales professionals met the criteria for a substance use disorder within the previous year.
The combination of stress, performance anxiety, and a social drinking culture makes sales one of the industries with higher-than-average rates of substance abuse.
8. Police officers & law enforcement
Police officers and law enforcement personnel work in high-stress environments where they frequently face danger, trauma, and unpredictable situations.
Long shifts, exposure to violence, and the weight of responsibility can contribute to increased substance use as a way to cope with the emotional and physical toll of the job.
Studies estimate that 1 in 4 U.S. police officers struggle with moderate alcohol or drug issues, with many meeting the criteria for substance use disorder (SUD). While the general U.S. population has an SUD rate of 10-12%, estimates suggest that among law enforcement officers, this number rises to 20-30%.
9. Firefighters
Another group of first responders who face similar challenges to those confronting the police are firefighters.
Studies have shown that high rates of alcohol consumption is an issue for firefighters. One significant study highlighted that binge drinking was as high as 60% in professional firefighters, and reports of DUI were around 9%.
First responders, including the fire service, also show high rates of mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation (thoughts of suicide). This directly contributes to the levels of substance misuse seen, as a way for these professionals to self-medicate any disorder symptoms
10. The military
Although active-duty military personnel undergoes frequent drug testing, they still show higher rates of alcohol use and abuse than the general population.
According to detailed research published in 2015, 12.7% of military veterans had a substance use disorder. Additionally, veterans with a substance use disorder are far more likely to have co-occurring disorders – the coexistence of a SUD with a mental health disorder. In veterans, this tends to be disorders such as PTSD or a depressive disorder.
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Sources
1. Bush, Donna M. Ph.D., F-ABFT, and Lipari, Rachel N., Ph.D. “Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder By Industry.” Substance Abse and Mental Health Services Administration. Accessed June 14, 2019.
2. Moore, Roland S et al. “Dimensions of problem drinking among young adult restaurant workers.” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, September 15, 2009. Accessed June 14, 2019.
3. American Bar Association. “Midyear 2018: Panel to examine lawyer substance abuse, mental health and solutions.” February 1, 2018. Accessed June 14, 2019.
4. American Society of Safety Professionals. “National Crisis: Opioid Abuse in the Construction Industry.” August 28, 2018. Accessed June 14, 2019.
5. Haddock, C.K.; Jahnke, S.A.; Poston, W.S.C.; Jitnarin, N; et al. “Alcohol use among firefighters in the Central United States.” Occupational Medicine, October 12, 2012. Accessed June 20, 2019.
6. Pemberton, Michael; Forman-Hoffman, Valerie; Lipari, Rachel; Ashley, Olivia; et al. “Prevalence of Past Year Substance Use and Mental Illness by Veteran Status in a Nationally Representative Sample.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, November 2016. Accessed June 20, 2019.
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Veterans’ Primary Substance of Abuse is Alcohol in Treatment Admissions.” November 10, 2015. Accessed June 20, 2019.
8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “1 in 15 Veterans had a Substance Use Disorder in the Past Year.” May 7, 2015. Accessed June 20, 2019.
9. National Institutes of Health. “10 percent of US adults have drug use disorder at some point in their lives.” November 18, 2015. Accessed June 20, 2019.