In the United States, over 84% of adults report drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of 80-proof alcohol constitute one drink. In people assigned female at birth, consuming more than four drinks in one sitting is considered binge drinking.
An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help. If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person. And prolonged Performance-Enhancing Drug Use in Recreational Athletes alcohol use can lead to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Signs & Symptoms of Alcoholism in the Workplace
Persistent after-work drinking can disrupt the neurotransmitter balance within the brain, affecting mood and behavior. It can potentially lead to stress and mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. Getting help for alcoholism at The Recovery Village Columbus can greatly improve the chances of overcoming alcohol addiction. The center’s team of professionals works closely with each patient to create and continuously adjust treatment plans that ensure long-term success. The Recovery Village Columbus offers several treatment options, including medical detox, inpatient rehab, and more, to provide you with personalized care at our Joint Commission-accredited facility. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to take the first step toward living an alcohol-free life.
You deserve excellent care and a rewarding life in recovery.
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). Regular after-work drinking has been identified to have a significant negative impact on both work performance and professional relationships. Research indicates a strong correlation between higher levels of alcohol consumption and higher levels of impaired work performance. Recovery from alcohol-induced health problems, such as cognitive deficits and cardiovascular issues, depends on several factors, including the individual’s motivation and engagement in treatment.
- But handled well and with the right framing, these conversations can be engaging, fun and extremely positive.
- We’re available 24/7 to answer questions and point you in the best direction depending on your situation.
- Over time, this imbalance triggers chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, leading to a higher risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
- Alcohol use can damage the hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for memory and learning.
- 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 this journey.
Tips for Reducing Alcohol Consumption
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. Looking for addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio or the surrounding areas? We have inpatient and outpatient facilities nearby and across the country ready to help. In the United States, people younger than age 21 are not legally able to drink alcohol. “Excessive alcohol consumption can cause nerve damage and irreversible forms of dementia,” Dr. Sengupta warns.
Physical Signs of Alcohol Use at Work
Discussing individual alcohol consumption can also elicit strong defensive responses, so skill is required to disarm defensiveness and help people to open up. In reality, the environments around us have far more effect on our drinking than our personal choices. It impairs judgment, coordination, and productivity, posing safety risks and potentially leading to disciplinary action or termination.
Moreover, repeated binge drinking, defined as consuming multiple drinks in a short timeframe, has been correlated with an increased likelihood of developing prehypertension, a precursor to full-blown hypertension. This type of drinking behavior can also produce immediate changes in circulation, heightening the risk of cardiovascular disease in otherwise healthy young adults, as outlined by the American College of Cardiology. After-work drinking may have significant repercussions on cardiovascular health. While moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a balanced lifestyle, excessive intake is linked to a range of heart-related issues. 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.
Those in the professional class also struggle with substance abuse, possibly fueled by after work drinking. Those with professions such as office workers, lawyers, doctors, accountants, and management, may also find themselves struggling to control their drinking habits. Additionally, nearly 15 percent of healthcare professionals struggle with alcohol abuse. Short-term effects of excessive alcohol intake can include hangovers and acute stress on the body and internal organs. Long-term, this consumption pattern can lead to chronic diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, various forms of cancer, and heart diseases, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and an increased risk of stroke. Notably, The New York Times reports that even minimal alcohol consumption carries health risks, debunking the myth that small amounts may be safe or even beneficial.
Cirrhosis, on the other hand, is irreversible and can lead to liver failure and liver cancer, even if you abstain from alcohol. Dr. Sengupta shares some of the not-so-obvious effects that alcohol has on your body. And that’s on top of the toll that alcohol use can take on relationships, not to mention the potential for financial strain and legal troubles.
Dealing with an employee who drinks at work requires a structured and compassionate approach, balancing the need for workplace safety and productivity with the employee’s well-being. The ADA protects employees with alcoholism as a disability, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations. However, it does not protect employees currently using alcohol in a way that impairs job performance or safety. The key to reducing alcohol misuse in the workplace is to avoid waiting until something goes wrong before acting. There are steps that can be taken at every level of your company and for every employee. These consequences can be costly for employers, especially if they occur because an employee is drinking at work.
