After-Work Drinking: Risks, Consequences & Treatment
The negative effects of alcohol in the workplace undoubtedly influence an organization. Workplaces are often left dealing with increased health insurance costs among employees who have alcohol-related health problems. Missed time at work and lost productivity also comes with a cost to employers. In some cases, alcohol addiction has nothing to do with the workplace.
Drugs & Supplements
There are several drink counting apps to help you keep track of how much alcohol you’ve had. While there can be peer pressure to drink from your coworkers, it’s important to remember that drinking is not required. Opting to have some sparkling water or a soda can be viable alternatives. Further, your supervisor will likely appreciate a commitment to professionalism, even when with coworkers after hours. Outpatient treatment is best for mild alcohol addictions, and it allows patients to attend doctor and therapy visits while still living at home.
This condition can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms you have. Just one or two alcoholic drinks can impair your balance, coordination, impulse control, memory, and decision-making. Too much alcohol can also shut down parts of your brain that are essential for keeping you alive.
- Employers should have a clear substance abuse policy with confidential support and training on alcohol use dangers.
- You probably already know that excessive drinking can affect you in more ways than one.
- Federal laws protect people who are in recovery for substance abuse and no longer use illegal drugs.
The support of friends and family is important in the journey to recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD can cause a range of neurodevelopmental and physical effects in the child after birth. Because women tend to have less water in their bodies than men, if a woman and a man of the same weight drank the same amount of alcohol, the woman’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) would likely be higher. This could help explain why women are more likely to have negative effects from alcohol.
Recognizing the signs that suggest an employee or coworker is struggling with alcohol misuse is imperative when deciding how to help them. If you find that you can’t control your drinking, or know a loved one who is struggling with addiction, know that there is help out there. At AAC, we’re open and committed to providing critical care in a safe environment, even during the ongoing pandemic. If you’re ready to quit drinking and reclaim your life from addiction, call now, or click to chat.
Where can someone find treatment for AUD?
Your body breaks alcohol down into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which damages your DNA. Damaged DNA can cause a cell to grow out of control, which results in cancerous tumors. 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.
Public Health
Overall, the social and professional consequences of after-work drinking necessitate a balanced approach, blending awareness with supportive strategies to mitigate its risks. Having a beer or a glass of wine after work can be a relaxing way to unwind, depending on your personal preferences and tolerance for alcohol. Just remember to drink responsibly and in moderation to avoid any negative effects on your health or well-being. If you enjoy both beer and wine, you might alternate between them or choose based on what you’re in the mood for. Ultimately, it’s essential to listen to your body and make choices that align with your overall health goals.
Long-term alcohol use has been shown to decrease myocardial protein expression and synthesis while accelerating protein degradation in the heart muscle, further contributing to cardiovascular deterioration. Moreover, repeated binge drinking, defined as consuming multiple is tommy lee sober drinks in a short timeframe, has been correlated with an increased likelihood of developing prehypertension, a precursor to full-blown hypertension. This type of drinking behavior can also produce immediate changes in circulation, heightening the risk of cardiovascular disease in otherwise healthy young adults, as outlined by the American College of Cardiology.
Effective Strategies to Manage After-Work Drinking Habits
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic brain disorder that makes it difficult to control alcohol use, even when it’s causing problems. Whether you’re a light, moderate, or heavy drinker, alcohol can reduce bone mass. Alcohol use can damage the hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for memory and learning.
Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. It impairs judgment, coordination, and productivity, posing safety risks and potentially leading to disciplinary action or termination. Addressing substance abuse in the workplace is a critical component of OSHA’s mandate to maintain a safe working environment. 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.
Recognizing when to seek professional help for managing alcohol consumption is a vital step toward recovery for those struggling with drinking habits. A critical indicator is the development of increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, which can signal an underlying alcohol use disorder. Professional help should be considered if you find yourself needing to drink more to achieve the same level of intoxication or if withdrawal symptoms become apparent.