New Study Reveals 9% of Young US Workers Use Alcohol and Drugs at Work

A recent study highlights concerning substance use behavior among young employees in the United States, with nearly 1 in 10 workers aged 30 to 35 admitting to using alcohol, marijuana, or hard drugs like cocaine during work hours. The research, published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, encompassing 5,465 young workers surveyed between 2015 and 2016. Findings showed that 8.9% of participants reported substance use in the workplace in the past month, including 5.6% who drank alcohol, 3.1% used marijuana, and 0.8% engaged in using harder substances such as cocaine or opioids.

The study identified higher risks of on-the-job substance use in specific sectors, notably food preparation, service industries, and safety-sensitive roles like construction. Alarmingly, 6% of workers in transportation and material moving roles reported working under the influence, with 2% using marijuana while on duty. Researchers emphasized that this pattern raises occupational safety concerns, as substance use among workers can compromise safety not only for themselves but also for colleagues.

Experts suggest that the presence or absence of comprehensive workplace substance use policies significantly influences these behaviors. Industries without clear policies or supportive interventions tend to have higher rates of substance use. Additionally, support services such as counseling are less accessible in workplaces that lack proper policies, which can exacerbate substance misuse issues.

Lead author Sehun Oh emphasized that understanding work conditions and barriers is crucial in addressing substance use, particularly for workers in physically demanding or blue-collar jobs. The study advocates for integrated strategies combining strict policies and supportive programs to effectively reduce substance misuse among employees, ultimately enhancing workplace safety.

The findings underscore the importance of implementing and enforcing robust substance use policies at the workplace and providing accessible support services to address underlying issues contributing to substance misuse, thereby promoting healthier and safer work environments.