Addiction Treatment for Construction Industry Workers

Find effective drug and alcohol addiction treatment at Hickory House Recovery in Greenfield, IN

The construction industry is known for demanding physical labor, often dangerous conditions and long hours. Unfortunately, it is also known for high rates of substance abuse and addiction. Working in the construction industry brings a unique set of challenges and rehabilitation treatment plans must also be uniquely designed and individualized to address those challenges. Hickory House Recovery in Greenfield, IN, offers proven addiction treatment for construction industry workers.

Don’t suffer in silence or put your career in jeopardy, contact us today, we can help.

The scope of the problem: Statistics on drug and alcohol addiction among construction workers

Drug and alcohol addiction exists in many industries, but the construction industry is particularly vulnerable. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services, construction workers have one of the highest rates of substance use disorders among all professions. Approximately 15% of construction workers struggle with substance abuse, compared to an overall rate of 8.6% across all industries. Furthermore, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that construction workers are more likely to engage in heavy alcohol consumption and illicit drug use than their counterparts in other fields.

Recent studies have revealed some concerning statistics regarding substance abuse among construction workers:

Nearly 83% of construction workers experienced moderate to severe levels of mental distress
According to the SAMHSA, approximately 16.5% of construction workers reported illicit drug use in the past month, and approximately 12.5% reported heavy alcohol use
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that construction workers are six times more likely to die from an opioid overdose than the general population

Understanding the reasons for high addiction rates in the construction industry

Several factors contribute to the high rates of substance abuse in the construction industry. Those include—but are not limited to:

Physical Demands: The physical nature of construction work often leads to chronic pain and injuries. Workers may turn to prescription painkillers, illicit drugs, and other substances for pain relief, which can quickly lead to dependency.
High-Stress Environment: Construction jobs are often high-pressure, with tight deadlines and long hours. The stress can drive individuals to seek relief through alcohol and drugs.
Work Culture of Substance Abuse: The culture of drinking and drug use is not uncommon in the construction industry and peer pressure can perpetuate the cycle of drinking and drugs.
Job Insecurity: Construction work is often seasonal and can be quite unpredictable. Many construction workers experience periods of unemployment between projects, which can lead to financial inability and stress, which can increase the likelihood of substance abuse.

"A co-worker helped me find Hickory House. When I left, I felt like a new person."

Paul M.

Unique challenges faced by construction workers can drive substance use

The construction industry presents several unique challenges that can drive those that work in the sector toward substance use, and abuse. Some of those factors include:

Irregular Work Schedules: Construction workers often have long hours and inconsistent work schedules. This can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
Isolation: Working on remote job sites or for long hours away from family and friends can lead to feelings of isolation, contributing to substance abuse as a means of socialization or escape.
Lack of Access to Health Care: Some construction workers lack access to adequate healthcare, making it difficult to receive proper treatment for pain, injuries, or mental health issues. Working with hazardous materials can have both physical and psychological effects, increasing the likelihood of substance use as a form of self-medication.

The importance of adopting preventative measures in the construction industry

Addressing substance abuse in the construction industry requires a multi-faceted approach. Adopting preventative measures can help to reduce the risk of addiction and support the overall well-being of those that work in the industry. Some preventive measures include:

Education and Training: Raising awareness about the risks of substance use and the importance of mental health can help workers make informed decisions. Providing educational programs and workshops about the risks of substance abuse and offering training on healthy coping mechanisms can empower construction workers to make better choices.
Health and Wellness Programs: Implementing health and wellness programs that offer support for physical and mental health can reduce the likelihood of substance use. These programs may include physical fitness, mental health counseling, physical therapy, and stress management workshops.
Access to Medical Care: Ensuring that workers have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare can help address pain and mental health issues before they lead to substance use.
Strong Policies: Establishing clear policies on substance use and offering support systems such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can create a safer work environment. Hickory House Recovery is proud to partner with many companies who offer EAP programs in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol use, please check with your employer to see if they offer an Employee Assistance Program.
Supportive Work Environment: Creating a supportive and open work environment where workers feel comfortable discussing their struggles can encourage them to seek help before their issues escalate.
Regular Screenings and Safety Checks: Conducting regular screenings and safety checks can help identify substance abuse issues early and ensure a safe workplace for all employees.

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Recognizing the warning signs of substance abuse

Recognizing the warning signs of substance abuse is important; early intervention is crucial in addressing substance use disorders. Some warning signs that a construction worker may be struggling with addiction include the following:

Changes in Behavior: Sudden changes in mood, irritability, or unexplained euphoria can be signs of substance use.
Physical Symptoms: Bloodshot eyes, unexplained weight loss or gain, and poor coordination can indicate drug or alcohol use.
Performance Issues: Frequent absenteeism, reduced productivity, and mistakes on the job may suggest a substance use problem.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet work or personal responsibilities can be a red flag for addiction.

Effective treatment options for construction industry workers facing drug or alcohol addiction

Hickory House Recovery offers several effective treatment options for construction workers facing drug or alcohol addiction. These include:

Detoxification: Supervised detoxification is the first step in the treatment process. This program is guided by our licensed medical professionals and helps you safely withdraw from substances.
Residential Treatment: Our residential inpatient rehabilitation program provides a structured environment where you can focus solely on recovery. This treatment includes Individual therapy, group therapy, and other complimentary group therapies. You will reside full-time for at least 30 days at our home-like residence called The Chateau.
Outpatient Treatment: The Intensive Outpatient program offers flexibility for construction industry workers who cannot take time off work or for those who do not require residential inpatient treatment. These programs provide counseling and therapy sessions that accommodate varying work schedules.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT uses medications, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, to treat substance use disorders. This treatment is particularly effective for addressing opioid addiction.
Therapy and Counseling: We offer individual, group and family therapy sessions that help you uncover and address the underlying causes of addiction and develop appropriate coping strategies.

Personalized addiction treatment options for construction industry workers in Indiana and surrounding areas

If you are a construction worker who is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, you may feel alone in fighting that battle. But at Hickory House Recovery, you are never alone. We are with you every step of the way on your journey to recovery. Our compassionate team helps you navigate the road ahead, supports you as you face and overcome challenges, and cheers you on as you embark on a new, healthier chapter in your life.

Hickory House Recovery is a warm, welcoming residential and outpatient addiction treatment center located just outside of Indianapolis in Greenfield, Indiana. We provide personalized comprehensive rehabilitation and addiction treatment for construction industry workers, including outpatient treatment, residential treatment programs, and detoxification. Hickory House Recovery supports construction workers in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, and Michigan.

To learn more about Hickory House Recovery and the addiction treatment options we provide, reach out online, or call our team today at 1-800-604-2117. Calls are always completely confidential and there is never an obligation, so call now.

1 (800) 604-2117