Ally, a publicist in Chicago who requested that only her first name be used so as not to “throw anyone under the bus,” said that as someone who no longer drinks, she’s nervous about the boozy events that will accompany her return to the office. “As a nondrinker, I feel that pressure to fit in and not look awkward,” she says. Clearly, these workplaces had strong drinking cultures, and I was an enthusiastic, tipsy participant. Of course, alcohol didn’t actually make me cooler, but it did make my anxiety skyrocket the following day—and that’s just the beginning of the messes that come from shaking up drinks and work. Regardless of what career you have, there are steps you can take to monitor your after-work drinking.
Effects of After-Work Drinking on Job Performance and Workplace Relationships
If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. Regular after-work drinking, often seen as a way to unwind, holds liberty cap gills significant psychological implications for individuals.
In light of these findings, there’s a call for integrated screening and treatment strategies that address both substance use and mental health, as well as a reduction in stigma to encourage more individuals to seek help. In the tech industry, the rise of remote and hybrid work models has reduced the incidence of in-person after-work socializing, leading to a decline in drinking as a bonding ritual. This shift has been influenced by a recognition of the importance of mental health and the negative consequences of alcohol on well-being. According to the study, most workers spend about two hours drinking after work, which can extend their day to 11 hours. Alcohol is the most widely misused substance, and frequent drinking can lead to dependence or addiction.
She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves. If none of that works and the act of drinking is, itself, the soothing factor you’re craving, you also have options to keep drinking—with a non-alcoholic spin. With the weather cooling off, of course, you could switch to caffeine-free herbal tea or hot cocoa in the evenings, but that might not have the same allure. Another option is to get a bit mischievous and dabble in CBD sparkling waters that are free of psychoactive ingredients or indulge in a wide variety of sophisticated non-alcoholic liquors like alternative whiskey, rum or gin.
How the Workplace Can Help Employees Struggling With Alcohol Addiction
Are you drinking to relax, or is it a coping mechanism for work-related stress? Understanding your motivations can help in assessing whether your drinking habits are healthy or potentially problematic. Recognizing when to seek professional help for managing alcohol consumption is a vital step toward recovery for those struggling with drinking habits. A critical indicator is the development of increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, which can signal an underlying alcohol use disorder. Professional help should be considered if you find yourself needing to drink more to achieve the same level of intoxication or if withdrawal symptoms become apparent.
The emotional labor required to navigate these dynamics can lead to further alcohol consumption, creating a detrimental cycle affecting both personal health and work performance. Furthermore, workplace drinking culture can vary significantly across industries, yet the consequences often bear similar traits, including reduced productivity, compromised safety, and strained professional dynamics. Heavy drinking during the workweek contributes to a prevalence of alcohol-related health problems among workers, inevitably affecting the productivity of firms. A staggering 42% of workers admitted to having gone to work hungover or under the influence of alcohol, with 9% doing so in the past six months alone (source). After-work drinking culture has traditionally aetna momentum program been a staple of certain professional environments, serving as a means of socializing, networking, and unwinding after a long day. However, recent trends indicate a shift in attitude towards this practice, with a growing emphasis on health and the impact of alcohol on productivity and workplace relationships.
After-Work Drinking and Cardiovascular Health
- An important aspect to consider is the immediate effect alcohol has on heart rhythm, particularly in individuals with a history of cardiac arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation.
- While moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a balanced lifestyle, excessive intake is linked to a range of heart-related issues.
- Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions about your personal situation, health or medical condition.
- If that makes you grumble, consider that anxiety and other hangover symptoms aren’t the worst side effects of evenings spent getting drunk with colleagues.
- After completing a treatment program, employees should stay connected to the recovery community through an aftercare plan.
It’s essential to acknowledge that reducing or quitting alcohol can significantly improve both physical and mental health, and professional help can offer the necessary guidance and support for group therapy activities for adults in recovery this journey. For individuals not yet ready for complete abstinence, Moderation Management programs offer support toward understanding and controlling drinking behaviors. These programs focus on setting personal drinking limits and goals within a safe, supportive environment. However, it is important to note that while moderate drinking may work for some, abstinence remains one of the most effective methods for those with alcohol use disorders. Establishing boundaries with alcohol, especially in a culture that often encourages after-work drinks, is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing dependence.
Causes of Alcoholism in the Workplace
Professional treatment programs and support groups can provide the necessary assistance for those struggling with after-work drinking turning into dependence and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers guidelines and resources for those seeking help. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Alcohol addiction can be difficult and potentially dangerous to recover from on your own. Severe alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, so heavy alcohol users should not attempt to wean off alcohol without the help of a professional medical detox facility.
