6 Ways To Avoid The Habit Of Drinking After Work

As mentioned, work or life, in general, can be a great source of stress for some people. There are many ways to relieve stress in a healthy way but some people see drinking as a quick and easy way to take their mind off these thoughts. Recognizing and admitting that post-work drinking might be a problem is a brave first Substance abuse step. Seeking professional help is often the most effective way to address these challenges. Grace Counseling provides a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore your relationship with alcohol.

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If you suspect an employee may need help, it’s essential to provide access to the professionals who can adequately screen and assess them to determine treatment needs. Furthermore, if the employer provided the alcohol, their ability to use the intoxication defense may be nullified. Established a precedent where an employer who permitted regular drinking parties could not escape liability for an employee’s death caused by intoxication after leaving the premises. This highlights how an employer sanctioning alcohol consumption can impact a claim’s outcome.

The Signs and Effects of Drinking at Work (And How to Address Them)

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. Engaging in regular after-work drinking can lead to significant health risks, particularly concerning liver health. Research indicates that consistently high levels of alcohol consumption are directly linked to the development of serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. Dr. Gautam Mehta from the UCL Division of Medicine and the Royal Free Hospital highlights that only a third of people who drink heavily develop severe liver issues, suggesting individual variability in susceptibility. However, the dangers are substantial and warrant serious consideration Substance abuse for anyone regularly consuming alcohol after work.

What Does It Mean To Have a Substance Abuse Problem?

• Supervisors should contact an agency EAP counselor for more information about the intervention technique.
• When it comes to after work cocktails, there are a few key ingredients that are sure to please.
• Its basic tenets are that alcoholism is a disease with recognizable symptoms, causes, and methods of treatment.
• Still, by setting clear expectations and boundaries with staff, HR can play a role in curbing destructive drinking behaviors.
• Some companies even designate a day of the week for an after-work happy hour.

The employee may also have noticeable financial problems evidenced by borrowing money from other employees or receiving phone calls at work from creditors or collection companies. The employee may also be absent from his or her duty station without explanation or permission for significant periods of time. The thing is, I grew up with a Polish/American family, wine or beer was their nightly tradition, and although they didn’t get drunk nightly, they’d have a couple glasses while watching TV or eating dinner.

Normally, the employee would not be charged as absent without approved leave (AWOL) unless the employee’s absence had not been approved. Check with the Human Resources office about the rules and policies regarding approval and denial of leave. Intervention is effective, this can be a very powerful tool to counter denial and may help the employee consider treatment. Supervisors should contact an agency EAP counselor for more information about the intervention technique.

Will I Lose My Job if I Go to Rehab?

A variety of treatment professionals are available, including primary care providers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and alcohol counselors. Each offers different forms of treatment, such as medications, behavioral therapy, and support systems, tailored to individual needs. NIAAA provides resources, including a treatment facility locator and mutual-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery. There are obvious advantages to getting the alcoholic into treatment earlier rather than later.

One technique which can be used to confront the employee is called intervention. However, in some cases, the employee will be referred by you because you have noted a decline in the employee’s conduct, attendance, or performance and/or seen actual evidence of alcohol use or impairment at work. So I find myself in a dilemma between my childhood/family ideals, and this internet stuff saying that the second you start drinking more than 2 weeknights you’re borderline alcoholic. I’ve been really enjoying beer this past week since my bday, and after work I like to come home and maybe have 2 cans or so while hanging with friends online or relaxing with my wife.

While HR can establish codes of conduct employees must abide by, there will still be limitations on all employee actions outside the workplace. If a circumstance of this nature were to arise, it should be addressed and handled by HR. According to a new study conducted by American Addiction Centers and Alcohol.org, the average American worker spends more than $3,000 per year on after-work drinks. When it comes to drinking after work, it’s important to be wary of these red flags. If these symptoms begin to develop, it may be a sign that professional help is needed. If you find yourself struggling to manage your drinking after work, it might be time to seek professional help.

• The employee may also be absent from his or her duty station without explanation or permission for significant periods of time.
• This means that factors like toxic work cultures and job dissatisfaction can increase the risk of alcohol misuse among employees.
• Coastal Detox is a state-licensed medical detox center helping individuals overcome drug addiction, alcoholism, and co-occurring disorders.
• Along with this, however, the body becomes used to these amounts of alcohol and now suffers from withdrawal when the alcohol is not present.
• 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.

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. Employees are not free from personal repercussions for drinking at work after hours.

These programs are usually staffed by professional counselors and may be operated in-house with agency personnel, under a contract with other agencies or EAP providers, or a combination of the two. At some point, you will likely encounter employees with problems related to alcohol in dealing with performance, conduct, and leave problems. In other cases, you may know, either because the employee admits to being an alcoholic, or the problem is self-evident. For example, an employee may become intoxicated while on duty or be arrested for drunk driving.

For example, a spouse may threaten divorce, or the alcoholic may be arrested for driving under the influence. Exploring the relationship between alcohol use and mental health disorders reveals a complex interaction where one can significantly impact the other. Studies indicate that individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. This suggests not only a co-occurrence but also a shared underlying vulnerability involving genetic factors and neural circuits. 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. Social support is also crucial, as isolation can exacerbate the risk of relapse.