Carnevale: Addressing workplace alcohol use

(R)esearch funded by the National Institutes of Health indicates that 35- to 50-year-olds reported the highest prevalence of binge drinking ever recorded for this age group.”

Dr. Greg Carnevale is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of Delaware.

Alcohol use has become so deeply woven into our cultural fabric that its consumption often goes unquestioned. But a growing body of research signals a troubling trend: High-intensity drinking is up among middle age adults, who make up a significant portion of today’s workforce. This demographic shift has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, the former U.S. surgeon general warned about the rising burden of cancer linked to alcohol consumption, and research funded by the National Institutes of Health indicates that 35- to 50-year-olds reported the highest prevalence of binge drinking ever recorded for this age group. Moreover, in Delaware, 15% of adults reported binge drinking or heavy drinking in 2023.

A growing health and workplace concern

Excessive alcohol consumption is both a personal health issue and a public health crisis with serious implications for employers. Chronic, high-risk drinking has been linked to heart disease, liver failure, mental health challenges and increased cancer risk. At the same time, other stressors — including economic uncertainty, job pressures and postpandemic burnout — are likely fueling higher rates of unhealthy alcohol use. According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of workers reported experiencing work-related stress in the past month, a key contributor to substance misuse.

Employees struggling with alcohol use disorder miss an average of 32 workdays a year, contributing to over 232 million missed workdays annually in the U.S. The ripple effect — reduced productivity, increased health care costs and turnover — translates to an estimated $81 billion in annual losses for U.S. businesses.

Recognizing the signs

Common signs of alcohol use disorder in the workplace include employees not meeting deadlines, experiencing memory impairment or showing distress when alcohol isn’t available. They may have unusual difficulty completing everyday tasks, disappear for no apparent reason or frequently call in sick or show up late. It’s important to note that not all people who struggle with alcohol use will exhibit the same symptoms. These behavioral and physical signs aren’t always connected to alcohol.

Supporting your workforce

To mitigate these challenges, employers can implement strategies to support their workforces.

• Promote the use of employee assistance programs. Actively communicate the availability of counseling services via these initiatives. These programs, which are generally offered at no cost to employees, give support to those struggling with alcohol use, including referrals to addiction specialists and treatment programs.
• Offer a comprehensive network of providers. Work with a benefits company that has an extensive group of health care providers specializing in substance use disorders and behavioral health. Providers that offer specialized care can give personalized care plans, including in-person and virtual treatment options, to help employees receive the right level of support tailored to their needs.
• Facilitate digital health solutions. Offer online resources that provide accessible and flexible support for employees. These can include educational content to help your workforce understand the impact of alcohol consumption and problem drinking, as well as self-screening tests, virtual support groups, telehealth services and app-based tools to access care discreetly and conveniently.
• Foster a supportive work environment. Training managers to recognize the signs of alcohol use disorder and providing them with resources to support their teams may help create more supportive and understanding environments. Regularly communicating the availability of resources and support can also reduce stigma and encourage employees to seek help.

By taking proactive steps to address alcohol use in the workplace, employers can create a supportive and productive environment, reduce the financial burden of alcohol use disorders and improve overall employee well-being.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.