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Surveys indicate a considerable percentage of employees feel compelled to drink when coworkers or superiors do, linking alcohol consumption with improved work relationships (CNBC). This pressure can be particularly challenging for those who abstain from drinking, prompting a need for inclusive company cultures that respect individual choices (The Muse). You may implement the best prevention strategies yet still have alcohol misuse in the workplace. If you suspect an employee may need help, it\u2019s essential to provide access to the professionals who can adequately screen and assess them to determine treatment needs. Drinking moderately if you’re otherwise healthy may be a risk you’re willing to take.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers guidelines and resources for those seeking help. Regular after-work drinking can seem like a harmless way to unwind, but it carries the risk of developing into alcohol dependence and addiction. This transition from a social activity to a health concern is insidious, often going unnoticed until serious consequences emerge. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by an inability to control drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, and continued use despite negative repercussions. It is a pattern that may start with after-work drinks but can escalate to more frequent and higher quantities of alcohol consumption.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Your human resources department can also provide information about any company resources for substance abuse issues.2 Formal treatment for an AUD is an option for you to explore for yourself, your coworker, or a loved one. But the study revealed the average after-work booze session lasts almost two hours, adding substantially to an already-long day on the job. It has also become a substitute for networking and brainstorming; a third of American workers think drinks after work is good for team bonding.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n