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. Despite these risks, the social pressure to participate in after-work drinks is significant. 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). The phenomenon of after-work drinking is intricately linked with workplace culture and social bonding. However, such gatherings can also lead to less desirable outcomes, including unfiltered speech, unplanned commitments, and unprofessional conduct (TLNT).
Ideally, although you may not want to involve others in this situation, it is best to speak to your supervisor or a human resources representative about your concerns before going to your coworker on your own. Furthermore, frequent after-work drinking can result in behavioral changes that affect workplace dynamics. According to ScienceDaily, the need to suppress negative emotions at work, like forcing a smile, is linked with increased drinking after work. This can exacerbate stress and lead to negative mood states that spill over into interactions with coworkers and loved ones, causing friction and misunderstandings.
How to Approach a Coworker with a Suspected Alcohol Problem
If you’re concerned with your alcohol consumption and attitude toward drinking, talk to a healthcare provider as a first step. Though alcohol seems woven into the fabric of our social lives, drinking can have harmful health effects, even in small doses. Short-term and long-term effects of alcohol can negatively impact the mind and body, despite any potential benefits. A balanced approach of support and enforcement helps employees overcome substance abuse issues while maintaining workplace safety and efficiency. This fosters a healthier environment and protects both employees and the organization.
Having a glass of wine with dinner or a beer at a party here and there isn’t going to destroy your gut. But even low amounts of daily drinking and prolonged and heavy use of alcohol can lead to significant problems for your digestive system. But there’s plenty of research to back up the notion that alcohol does lead to weight gain in general. But when you ingest too much alcohol for your liver to process in a timely manner, a buildup of toxic substances begins to take a toll on your liver.
Mental health
- Seeking professional help is advisable when self-management strategies are insufficient.
- Your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a great place to begin if you are looking for confidential help for an AUD.
- Furthermore, the rising popularity of non-alcoholic alternatives and ‘dry(ish) January’ initiatives indicates a cultural shift towards drinking less.
- 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.
- Outpatient treatment is best for mild alcohol addictions, and it allows patients to attend doctor and therapy visits while still living at home.
- Long-term alcohol use can change your brain’s wiring in much more significant ways.
If you are concerned about employees you supervise, you may want to work with other management to implement new policies. Employers have the right to require that employees meet certain expectations regarding performance and conduct in the workplace. If your employer has a policy that indicates showing up intoxicated for work is an offense that one can be fired for, then the employer can terminate the employee. If this person does have an alcohol misuse problem, this is a larger issue than you alone can handle, and your employer must remain aware of your concerns. When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment.
Effects of short-term alcohol use
As well as affecting our physical health, alcohol can have a big impact on our mental wellbeing. In fact, around one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Research shows that employees in some industries are more likely to be at greater risk of alcohol harm than others, as a result of heavy or dependent drinking.
Studies reveal that over half of U.S. adults with mental health conditions are employed, and 70% of those struggling with substance use disorders, including alcohol addiction, actively participate in the workforce. This raises an important concern about worker safety, colleagues, and the public they serve. Dependence is a condition that can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD), characterized by an inability to manage drinking habits despite negative personal and health consequences.
Poor quality sleep can affect both our physical Antibiotics and alcohol and psychological wellbeing, but simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Keep a detailed record of the conversation, including the date, time, what was discussed, and any agreed-upon actions. For more information about alcohol and cancer, please visit the National Cancer Institute’s webpage “Alcohol and Cancer Risk” (last accessed June 6, 2024).
In some cases, alcoholism may constitute a disability, and people with alcohol use disorders may be afforded certain protections under various state and federal provisions. Regular after-work alcohol consumption presents a risk not only to physical health but also to mental well-being. Alcohol, classified as a depressant, influences the brain’s neurotransmitter balance, impacting mood, thought processes, and behavior.
Overall, the social and professional consequences of after-work drinking necessitate a balanced approach, blending awareness with supportive strategies to mitigate its risks. For women, more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week is heavy drinking. For men, heavy drinking means more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks a week. Many people drink alcohol as a personal preference, during social activities, or as a part of cultural and religious practices.
