After-Work Wine: The Dangers of Drinking to Cope with Stress

Results from this study also indicated a significant increase in the motivation to reduce alcohol use among the group receiving the training. As Moore (1998) pointed out, hangovers are clearly alcohol-related problems in the workplace but are extremely difficult to address through specific interventions because people define hangover differently. Mangione and colleagues (1999) suggested that employee education and corporate policy materials should include information about the potentially adverse effects of off-the-job drinking on workplace behavior and job performance. Also, the social effects of alcohol, such as isolation and aggressive behavior of alcohol abuse eventually destroy the work atmosphere. Regular after-work drinking is a cultural norm in many professional environments. However, this practice can have a significant negative impact on both personal and professional relationships.

• In such cases, the referral is prompted by considerable social interaction and discussion, often involving an employee’s supervisor.
• It’s crucial to recognize these risks and consider healthier alternatives for managing work-related stress.
• The bottom line is that alcohol is potentially addictive, can cause intoxication, and contributes to health problems and preventable deaths.

One person’s behavior can change workload balance, productivity, morale, employee turnover, customer satisfaction, and so on. Consequently, the research bases that have supported particular interventions in the past are dated and their application in today’s workplace may be challenged. This apparent lack of demand for such research may suggest that attention to workplace AOD abuse through these mechanisms may be declining (Roman in press).

Drug and alcohol testing at work: getting started

By Sarah Bence, OTR/L

Sarah Bence, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and freelance writer. She specializes in a variety of health topics including https://ecosoberhouse.com/ mental health, dementia, celiac disease, and endometriosis. This is sometimes called the “5+/4+ rule” (5-plus/4-plus rule) of binge drinking.

With that, staffs who suffer alcohol addiction can take back control without losing their job. Also, the Family and Medical Leave Act protects employees who take extended leave for alcoholic rehabilitation. While having drinks with coworkers and employees may seem like a harmless bonding activity, things can quickly take a turn for the worse.

Finding Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol misuse treatment programs teach people how to move into an alcohol-free lifestyle while teaching them healthy coping strategies. They can simultaneously help treat any co-occurring mental health issues. For those who develop an alcohol dependence, the risks extend to physiological withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which can perpetuate the cycle of drinking to relieve mental discomfort. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and drinking after work Alcoholism highlights the adverse effects of binge drinking on cognitive functions, particularly in adolescents, whose brain development can be significantly altered. Alcohol is a depressant that affects the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are critical for regulating mood and behavior. While moderate consumption might provide temporary relaxation, chronic use can disrupt this delicate balance, potentially leading to mood disorders.

If they are working out after drinking, their low blood sugar levels decrease their performance and increase fatigue. Notice and identify the emotions stress causes and breathe through them rather than trying to find a distraction. — breathing exercises interrupt the stress response and allow you to regain control of the negative emotions and let them go. Even if it’s a momentary relief, that moment could stop you or your colleague from wanting a drink. Alcohol can seep through the pores hours after someone finishes drinking. If you can smell alcohol on a friend or colleague, they could be drinking more than they should.

Controlling Your Drinking After Work

Alcohol is the most widely misused substance, and frequent drinking can lead to dependence or addiction. Management should suggest and encourage social activities with employees over drinking after work. According to the Alcohol.org survey, 10% of bosses don’t mind getting drunk in front of employees, which greatly increases the risk of creating an uncomfortable workplace. De-emphasizing happy hour in favor of other ventures can prove to be beneficial to all involved. Additionally, grabbing a drink after work can open the door to situations that companies and employees want to steer clear of.

This period of abstinence can help reset drinking habits and establish healthier ones. Another strategy includes the mindful drinking movement, which focuses on a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption, advocating for moderation rather than complete abstinence, and has been linked to better health outcomes. The social aspect of drinking can also lead to exclusionary behaviors. As some individuals may not partake in drinking for personal or health reasons, this can create divisions within teams and affect overall workplace cohesion, as reported by the BBC. Preventative interventions in the workplace may serve as a primary prevention strategy for alcohol misuse, benefiting both the employee’s well-being and the employer’s operational success. Employers and HR departments, as seen in SHRM’s guidelines, are encouraged to recognize the signs of on-the-job drinking without direct accusations, focusing instead on creating supportive avenues for addressing these issues.