Although there aren’t specific employment laws directly addressing alcohol consumption in the workplace, certain industries are ruled by specific regulations that strictly forbid it. Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of drinking at work and the role of workplace policies in creating a safer work environment for everyone. After completing a treatment program, employees should stay connected to the recovery community through an aftercare plan. This may involve continuing to attend support group meetings or routine counseling appointments. When it comes to alcohol, if you don’t drink, don’t start for health reasons.
This condition disrupts the effective pumping of blood, potentially leading to serious complications, including stroke. The amount of alcohol and the duration of its use necessary to lead to ALD can vary, but research indicates a threshold of consumption exists above which the risk for liver disease significantly increases. Treatment for ALD involves a comprehensive approach that may include nutritional support, addressing coexisting alcohol use disorder, and, in severe cases, medications and possibly liver transplantation. While employers may not consider off-work hours within their jurisdiction, the potential for alcohol-related risks persists. Regular after-work drinking can lead to patterns of behavior that may blur the lines between moderate use and dependence. This cycle can impact the individual’s health, professional performance, and relationships.
Alcohol Dependence and Addiction from After-Work Drinking
These brain chemicals are responsible for regulating your mood, concentration, motivation, and reward-seeking behavior. This can lead to conditions like stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Your central nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and neurons that communicate messages throughout your body. It powers key functions and processes like movement, memory, speech, thought processes, and more.
Factors affecting alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm
Even drinking a little too much (binge drinking) on occasion can set off a chain reaction that affects your well-being. Lowered inhibitions can lead to poor choices with lasting repercussions — like the end of a relationship, an accident or legal woes. Each of those consequences can cause turmoil that can negatively affect your long-term emotional health. “The good news is that earlier stages of steatotic liver disease are usually completely reversible in about four to six weeks if you abstain from drinking alcohol,” Dr. Sengupta assures. Heavy drinking can also lead to a host of health concerns, like brain damage, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver and even certain kinds of cancer.
Alcohol’s Effects on the Body
It is a pattern that may start with after-work drinks but can escalate to more frequent and higher quantities of alcohol consumption. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. After-work drinking is a prevalent social practice where employees engage in consuming alcoholic beverages following the end of the workday. This routine is often viewed as a way to decompress, transition from work to personal time, and foster camaraderie among colleagues. Its prevalence is notable, with some individuals spending significant time and money on these activities, as evidenced by reports indicating American workers may spend upwards of $3,000 a year on after-work drinks.
Long-term effects of regular after-work drinking may include the development of hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease. These conditions can lead to heart attacks and strokes, which are life-threatening events with long-term health implications. The cardiovascular system is also sensitive to the calorie content in alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity, further exacerbating heart health risks. Alcohol can impact various parts of the body, including the brain, heart, liver, and pancreas, as well as essential body systems like the immune and digestive systems. Alcohol use can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, cognitive decline, liver disease, mental health conditions, and more.
Interventions for Alcohol Misuse in the Workplace
- If they ask for help, take them to your designated human resources representative.
- Recognizing the signs that suggest an employee or coworker is struggling with alcohol misuse is imperative when deciding how to help them.
- Workplace alcohol use can result in higher turnover rates and customer dissatisfaction, as well as higher healthcare payments.
- Keep a detailed record of the conversation, including the date, time, what was discussed, and any agreed-upon actions.
To your body, alcohol is a toxin that interrupts your immune system’s ability to do its job, thereby compromising its function. More and more organisations are now providing training for line managers, wellbeing staff and those who are in a position to recognise, advise and support colleagues who disclose alcohol issues. It helps them to feel more confident and able to have a potentially difficult conversation about alcohol.
Alcohol misuse, combined with absenteeism, can affect productivity.4 Productivity losses accumulate when employees miss work due to health problems. Both lifestyle risk factors and health conditions influence employee absenteeism. Estimates indicate that the yearly expenses to employers range from $33–$68 billion, which result from a combination of factors, including lost productivity and healthcare expenses. Establishing boundaries with alcohol, especially in a culture that often encourages after-work drinks, is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing dependence. To set effective alcohol boundaries, it’s essential to understand your motivations for wanting to drink less. This self-awareness can guide you in making decisions that align with your personal and professional goals.
The social aspect of this practice is underscored by its role in team bonding, with one in three workers believing it beneficial for strengthening team dynamics. When employees are struggling with alcohol addiction, they should receive professional treatment. Treatment typically begins with High-Functioning Alcoholic How to Identify the Warning Signs medical detox to help patients manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is not easy to approach a coworker who has a suspected alcohol use disorder. However, the cost of ignoring the issue far outweighs the costs of actually confronting someone in a respectful, caring manner.
Chronic alcohol use causes hormone imbalances in both men and women and leads to problems with fertility. Excess alcohol use can also impair nutrient absorption in the small intestine and increase the risk of malnutrition. By Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHCDexter has a doctorate in psychology and is a licensed mental health counselor with a focus on suicidal ideation, self-harm, and mood disorders.