Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the Cycle: Alcohol & Substance Abuse in Construction

Substance abuse is a serious issue in the construction industry—and alcohol is the most abused substance. This talk isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about looking out for each other, protecting our health, and staying safe both on and off the job.

A Personal Perspective

As some of you may know, I began my journey here at Hudson Bay as a first-year apprentice. From day one, I experienced a strong sense of family— from both Hudson Bay, and through being a member of Local 7: unity, support, and always looking out for one another. Now, in my role as Safety Coordinator, I carry those values with me every day, and I feel a deep responsibility to protect the health and safety of our team.

Substance and alcohol abuse are serious issues that affect individuals, workplaces, and families. These challenges can have lasting impacts not only on safety but also on the overall well-being of our teams. Based on personal experiences, I’ve seen how devastating the consequences can be when support comes too late. I watched my mother battle mental illness and alcohol addiction, which eventually led to opioid dependence and, tragically, her accidental overdose at the age of 56.

That’s a major factor in why I quit drinking, and why I advocate for a proactive approach to addressing substance and alcohol misuse. Creating a culture where resources, support, and early intervention are readily available is key to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.

Substance abuse is a real issue in construction:

We’ve all seen it, or done it— coming into work hung over, drinking before union meetings, normalizing a culture of excess. But what kind of environment does that create? And more importantly, how does it impact our families, our health and our safety?

Imagine falling off a ladder due to withdrawal or hangover symptoms or making a critical mistake on-site that injures someone else. The consequences can be severe – loss of work, financial hardship, or worse, loss of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources through your union and other support programs that can guide you in the right direction. Reach out. You don’t have to do this alone. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible.

FACTS:

• 1 in 6 construction workers struggle with substance abuse.
• Construction has the second-highest rate of heavy alcohol use among all industries in the U.S.
• Substance abuse is linked to higher injury rates, absenteeism, and even death on and off job sites.

Alcohol doesn’t just affect performance, it harms your body, mind, and future:

• Liver damage – Long-term drinking can lead to cirrhosis or liver failure.
• Heart disease – Alcohol increases blood pressure and weakens the heart. Studies indicate that even moderate alcohol consumption (1-3 drinks a day) can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) Heavy drinking (more than 3 drinks a day) significantly elevates the risk, and the risk continues to increase with each additional drink.
• Mental health – In construction, we deal with tough conditions—physically and mentally. Often, people turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with pain or stress. But instead of helping, these substances often make things worse. They can increase anxiety, depression, and interfere with your work and sleep, which can lead to even more dependance and serious mental health issues. Alcohol remains among the most common substance identified in individuals who died by suicide.
• Increased risk of cancer – Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity.
• Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency – It happens when too much alcohol overwhelms your system, shutting down critical functions like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature control. It can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Many times, damage does not show up overnight, but the risk grows with time.

Signs of substance and alcohol misuse:

• Substance or alcohol use during work hours.
• Slurred speech, clumsiness, or reckless behavior.
• Unable to remember what happened the night before.
• Absences or showing up late due to being drunk or hungover.
• Mood swings, trouble focusing, insomnia, increased anxiety or depression.
• Excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, hand tremors, or seizures.

This isn’t about judgment; it’s about safety and support.

Help Is Out There: You’re not alone, and treatment works. In fact, did you know medications exist that can help reduce alcohol cravings and support recovery:

These are prescribed by a doctor, and they work best with counseling or support groups.

• Naltrexone – Helps reduce the desire to drink.
• Acamprosate – Helps with withdrawal and cravings.
• Disulfiram – Makes drinking unpleasant to discourage use.

Where to Get Help

• Local AA Meetings – Find support in your area (Alcoholics Anonymous)
• Primary care, or mental health providers – You can start by talking to your doctor or find mental health providers in your area by following the link below. Psychology Today

Resources available through your Local:

International Member Assistance Program (IMAP) (Heat and Frost Insulators & Allied Workers)

All One Health (Heat and Frost Insulators & Allied Workers)

Local 36 offers an EAP Program  through First Choice Health or by calling  1 (800) 777-4114

Carpenters Assistance Program (CCAP)  Download the App: GuidanceNow^SM or by calling 1 (833) 792-2271.

These free services are available to all members and their families and provide a range of support services. This includes counseling, mental health support, drug and alcohol referrals, financial planning, work-life solutions such as childcare, home repair, pet sitting, and various other assistance programs and referral services. You can find more details in the links provided.

Local 7 provides inpatient rehabilitation services through Aetna at 80% coverage in-network and 70% out-of-network.

Join on Thursdays 8pm ET for the Heat & Frost Recovery Group ZOOM ID 232 344 0706

Other Helpful Resources – Free, confidential, 24/7/365

Rethinking Drinking

NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator 

National Institute of Mental Health

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration or 1 (800) 662 HELP (4357)

Remember This!

Let’s keep showing up for those who are asking for help or working through recovery—you never know, you might be the reason someone keeps pushing forward. Big thanks to everyone who shared resources available through their Locals. Because of you, someone might get the resources they need. If we can help even one person, we have done something good for our brothers and sisters. We are currently working to add these resources under PDF downloads on the LMS. In the meantime, you can access them anytime through the new Toolbox Talk calendar system!