Workplace addiction and mental health in the construction industry

A changing economy may impart additional stress on an industry that reports higher than average rates of substance use and comprises of occupations that report "poorer mental health." Working within the construction industry can entail working long hours, overtime, and irregular schedules, which may lead to eventual burnout and employee turnover. Burnout has been associated with various mental health problems, including psychological distress, anxiety, depression, reduced self-esteem and substance abuse. Research suggests, however, that social support from colleagues and supervisors, as well as a workplace that supports work-life balance could lessen burnout and associated health complaints. Workers in the construction industry also reported higher than average rates of at-risk alcohol use, illicit drug use, tobacco use, and moderate or heavy smoking. Research has indicated that those who have a substance abuse diagnosis, including those who smoked, were high users of health care services and had excess associated health care costs.