Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder by Industry

Substance use negatively affects U.S. industry through lost productivity, workplace accidents and injuries, employee absenteeism, low morale, and increased illness. Research shows that the rate of substance use varies by occupation and industry. Combined 2003- 2007 and 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates for past month heavy alcohol use, past month illicit drug use and past year substance use disorder (SUD) for full-time employees aged 18-64 in 19 industry categories were analyzed. Combined data from 2008-2012 indicate an annual average of 8.7% of full-time workers aged 18 to 64 used alcohol heavily, 8.6% used illicit drugs, and 9.5% had SUD. The highest rates of heavy alcohol use were found in the mining (17.5%) and construction industries (16.5%). The highest rates of illicit drug use were found in the accommodations and food services industry (19.1%). Workers in the accommodations and food services industry (16.9%) had the highest SUD rates. Between the two time periods, rates of illicit drug use increased in the accommodations and food services industry (from 16.9 to 19.1%) and in the educational services industry (from 3.7 to 4.8%), and decreased among workers in the construction services industry (from 13.9 to11.6%). Decreases were seen in the past year SUD rates in construction (from 17.3 to 14.3%), management (from 13.8 to 11.4%), wholesale trade (from 13.4 to 10.4%), and manufacturing (from 10.4 to 9.3%). The prevalence of substance use and SUD is not consistent across industries. The lowest rates of heavy alcohol use, illicit drug use, and SUD were generally seen in education, health care and social assistance, and public administration. Higher rates were generally seen in mining, construction, and accommodations and food services industries. When heavy alcohol use, use of illicit drugs, and SUD are examined over time, it appears that some industries have had a reduction in rates; however, there were increases as well.