Addiction in the workplace is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed until it causes lasting harm.
While anyone can struggle with substance use, research shows that certain jobs carry a much higher risk due to stress, long hours, or exposure to dangerous conditions.
Recognizing the top professions with highest addiction rates is important because substance use disorders (SUD) not only affect the individual but also put co-workers and overall workplace safety at risk.
In Canada, substance use is a growing concern.
According to Health Canada, nearly 21% of employed Canadians reported heavy drinking at least once a month, and almost 1 in 10 admitted to using drugs that could impact their work.
These numbers highlight how addiction is more than just a personal struggle—it has real consequences for productivity, safety, and employee well-being.
This blog will outline the ten professions most affected by addiction, backed by data and research, to help workplaces better understand the risks and take steps toward prevention and support.
Why Addiction Rates Vary Across Professions
Addiction doesn’t affect all jobs equally—some professions face much higher risks than others. The reasons often tie back to the stress, culture, and demands of the work itself.
High-pressure environments, easy access to substances, or jobs that involve isolation can all contribute to higher addiction rates.
For example, workers in the construction industry often face long hours, physical strain, and unsafe conditions, which can push some to rely on alcohol or painkillers.
Healthcare professionals, who regularly deal with trauma and emotional stress, may also be vulnerable, especially with easier access to prescription drugs.
In industries like hospitality, where late-night shifts and social drinking are common, the risks are even greater.
These examples show how the demands of certain jobs can shape behaviour and increase the likelihood of substance use disorders. Recognizing these factors is the first step in addressing the problem.
Top 10 Professions With the Highest Addiction Rates
Addiction rates vary greatly across industries, but research consistently shows that certain professions face higher risks.
The reasons often include high stress, unsafe or unpredictable work environments, physical demands, and workplace cultures that normalize substance use.
Identifying the industries most affected helps employers and policymakers create targeted solutions to support workers and reduce the long-term impacts of addiction.
Below are some of the professions with the highest addiction rates, backed by statistics and context.
1. Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction Workers
Workers in mining and oil & gas extraction experience some of the highest addiction rates, with studies showing around 17.5% struggling with alcohol abuse and many facing substance use disorders.
The combination of remote and isolated work, physically demanding tasks, and long rotations away from family creates a breeding ground for addiction.
Why it happens
Stress, loneliness, and the physical toll of the job often push workers toward alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.
Possible solutions
Employers can reduce risks by offering wellness programs, confidential counseling services, and rotation schedules that allow for more family time. Peer support networks and on-site health professionals can also provide critical help.
2. Construction Workers
The construction industry has some of the highest substance abuse figures, with an estimated 19% of workers experiencing a substance use disorder and 16.5% engaging in heavy drinking.
The dangerous nature of the job, long hours, and a workplace culture that often normalizes alcohol use contribute heavily to these numbers.
Why it happens
Constant exposure to injury risks, physical pain, and unpredictable workloads can push workers toward painkillers, alcohol, or other substances.
Possible solutions
Employers can support healthier environments by promoting open discussions about mental health, ensuring access to treatment programs, and creating a culture that discourages substance use as a coping tool.
Offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and regular safety training can also help reduce risks.
3. Accommodation, Restaurant, and Food Service Workers
Addiction is widespread in the accommodation and food service industries, with reports showing 19.1% illicit drug use and a 16.9% substance use disorder (SUD) rate.
Workers in these fields face high stress, demanding hours, and often low wages. On top of that, alcohol consumption is normalized in many restaurant and bar environments, making it harder to avoid risky behaviour.
Why it happens
Late-night shifts, inconsistent schedules, and the pressure of customer service increase stress levels. Combined with easy access to alcohol, many employees turn to substances as a way to cope.
Possible solutions
Employers can help by offering stress management programs, creating healthier workplace cultures, and promoting better work-life balance. Flexible scheduling and employee wellness initiatives can also reduce risks.
4. Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
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The arts, entertainment, and recreation industry reports around a 13% SUD rate, with drug and alcohol use often glamorized in these environments.
Whether in performance-based roles or behind the scenes, workers are exposed to high-pressure situations, long hours, and unpredictable income, all of which contribute to stress and burnout.
Why it happens
The need to perform, compete, and remain “socially connected” often comes with alcohol and drug use. Financial instability and irregular work hours add to the vulnerability.
Possible solutions
Employers and industry groups can encourage healthier practices by promoting access to mental health resources, offering peer support programs, and building environments where well-being is prioritized over performance pressure.
5. Sales and Retail Professionals
Sales and retail professionals experience an estimated 13.4% SUD rate, making this group one of the more at-risk professions.
Meeting strict quotas, handling customer demands, and dealing with long or irregular hours can take a heavy toll on mental health. Additionally, environments with easy access to alcohol or stimulants can heighten risks.
Why it happens
The constant pressure to perform and achieve targets, combined with stressful customer interactions, creates an environment where substance use may be seen as an outlet.
Possible solutions
Employers can support their staff by offering training in stress management, ensuring reasonable workloads, and providing access to confidential counseling or substance use support programs. Recognition of employee efforts and fair scheduling can also reduce pressure.
6. Transportation and Warehouse Workers
Transportation and warehouse workers face a 13.9% SUD rate, with particularly high use of stimulants such as amphetamines among truck drivers.
The demands of long-haul driving and extended shifts often push workers to use stimulants to stay awake, while isolation and fatigue increase the risk of dependency.
Warehouse jobs, meanwhile, can be physically exhausting and stressful, adding to the problem.
Why it happens
Extended hours on the road, pressure to meet tight deadlines, and little social interaction make this group vulnerable. The availability of stimulant drugs as a “quick fix” for exhaustion worsens the risk.
Possible solutions
Employers and regulators can improve conditions by promoting sleep management training, offering confidential counseling services, and enforcing strict policies around substance use. Wellness checks and fatigue management programs also play a crucial role.
7. Legal Professionals (Lawyers, Judges)
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Legal professionals experience high levels of substance abuse, with research showing around 20% struggling with alcohol use.
The field is known for extreme pressure, long working hours, and high expectations, which often push lawyers and judges toward alcohol or drugs as a coping strategy.
Why it happens
Constant deadlines, client demands, and exposure to stressful legal disputes lead to burnout and heavy reliance on alcohol to “unwind.” The culture of after-hours networking events that often include alcohol further normalizes risky behaviour.
Possible solutions
Law firms and courts can help by promoting mental health programs, offering access to confidential counseling, and encouraging better work-life balance. Peer mentoring and burnout prevention workshops can also make a significant difference.
8. Healthcare Professionals
Substance abuse among healthcare workers is a serious concern, with studies suggesting around 10% of doctors and up to 20% of nurses struggle with addiction at some point in their careers.
High occupational stress, traumatic patient care experiences, and long hours contribute to the risk. Easy access to prescription medications also increases vulnerability in this profession.
Why it happens
The pressure of saving lives, constant exposure to suffering, and demanding shift work create mental and emotional strain. Access to controlled substances can make it easier for healthcare workers to develop dependencies.
Possible solutions
Hospitals and clinics should prioritize wellness programs, flexible scheduling, and mental health support. Creating safe, non-punitive reporting systems for those struggling with substance use can help healthcare professionals seek treatment early without fear of losing their careers.
9. Management, Administration, and Executives
Managers and executives experience significant rates of substance use, with studies showing 11–13.5% struggling with SUD.
These roles come with enormous pressure, including meeting deadlines, leading teams, and making high-stakes business decisions. The constant stress and long hours often drive individuals to rely on alcohol or stimulants as a way to cope.
Why it happens
The weight of responsibility, combined with competitive environments, can lead to burnout. Networking events and business culture that normalize drinking also add to the problem.
Possible solutions
Companies can reduce risks by encouraging healthier work environments, offering confidential access to counseling services, and investing in executive-level stress management programs. Regular leadership training that includes mental health awareness is also critical.
10. Law Enforcement and First Responders
Addiction rates are especially high among law enforcement and first responders. Research shows up to 30% of police officers struggle with substance use, while 29% of firefighters report alcoholism.
The constant exposure to trauma, life-or-death decisions, and irregular hours make these professions particularly vulnerable.
Why it happens
Day-to-day stress, witnessing traumatic events, and the stigma of showing vulnerability often push first responders to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs.
Possible solutions
Police and fire departments can address this by offering specialized counseling services, creating peer support groups, and building programs that normalize seeking help.
Substance abuse awareness training and access to mental health professionals who understand the unique demands of these jobs are essential for prevention and recovery.
The Impact of Addiction in the Workplace
Addiction doesn’t only affect the individual—it has far-reaching consequences across the workplace.
High rates of substance use often result in decreased productivity, as employees may struggle with focus, motivation, and consistency.
Absenteeism also rises when workers take more sick days or fail to show up, which disrupts operations and places extra pressure on colleagues.
Workplace safety is another major concern. Jobs in industries such as construction, transportation, and healthcare rely heavily on alertness and precision.
Substance use increases the risk of mistakes and accidents, putting both the worker and their team at risk. These incidents can also drive up insurance premiums and healthcare costs for employers.
Beyond the numbers, addiction impacts team morale and employee retention. Co-workers often feel stressed or resentful when they must pick up the slack, while supportive employees may feel helpless watching a colleague struggle.
Over time, this creates a culture of tension, making it harder to retain skilled staff.
Addressing Addiction in the Workplace: Solutions and Strategies
Tackling addiction in the workplace requires more than enforcing rules—it calls for a supportive, proactive approach that helps employees manage stress and seek help without stigma.
Employers in high-risk industries play a key role in creating environments where prevention and recovery are possible.
One effective step is promoting wellness programs that focus on both physical and mental health.
Offering workshops on stress management, mindfulness, or healthy coping strategies can help reduce reliance on substances.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are also critical, giving staff confidential access to counseling, treatment referrals, and crisis support.
Substance use education is another important tool. Raising awareness about the risks of addiction and teaching employees how to recognize early warning signs helps build safer workplaces.
Finally, encouraging open dialogue around mental health ensures employees feel safe speaking up about their struggles. A culture of understanding and accountability benefits both workers and employers.
Conclusion
Addiction in the workplace is not only a personal challenge but also a serious issue that affects safety, productivity, and morale.
As shown in the top professions with highest addiction rates, industries with high stress, long hours, or frequent exposure to trauma are especially vulnerable.
Left unaddressed, addiction can lead to absenteeism, workplace accidents, and increased turnover, placing an even heavier burden on both employees and employers.
The good news is that workplaces can play a central role in prevention and recovery. By offering wellness initiatives, Employee Assistance Programs, and clear education on substance use risks, businesses can reduce harm and provide meaningful support.
Just as important is building a culture where open conversations about mental health and addiction are accepted and encouraged.
For companies in high-risk sectors, investing in prevention and support systems isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces for everyone.