Substance Use Disorders by Occupation

Certain fields – including safety-sensitive jobs – have exceptionally high numbers of employees with SUDs.

Construction, mining and service occupations have high rates of alcohol and other drug use disorders. Education, healthcare, professional and protective services jobs have lower rates, although even in occupations with the lowest rates, one worker in 12 has a substance use disorder (SUD). According to NORC’s analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, many of these affected jobs are safety-sensitive or in transportation. Regardless of whether employers primarily have workers in occupations with higher or lower rates, all should review their workplace substance use policies and programs to ensure worker safety and health.

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Thanks to the NSC & NORC!