Are Workers Using Substances to Cope on the Job?
A survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by Drug Rehab USA examined how stress influences substance use and revealed trends that have important implications for today’s workplaces. Stress is rising for so many workers across the United States, and many are struggling to make ends meet or to maintain consistent and affordable healthcare. As a result, employees across all age ranges are turning to substances (even during the workday or on breaks) to “get through the day.”
In the past, particularly with Gen X and Boomers, there has been an idea that substances are something used after work to “wind down.” However, this survey data is showing that younger generations are using substances earlier in the day and more often, aligning with the traditional work day hours. Results show use is increasingly tied to daily functioning rather than recreation. The most shocking statistic highlights that 99% of Americans in the study report using at least one substance daily to manage stress. 53% say their substance use increased in the past year, and 68% link substance use to their workday, including before or during work with nearly 1 in 5 respondents starting using substances before 9:00 am.
Younger workers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, were more likely to report substance use tied directly to workplace stress and especially financial stress, with 84% of survey respondents across all ages saying that financial stress is the biggest contributor – often a direct result of their working hours.
Only a small percentage of Americans describe themselves as thriving, and many report increasing reliance on substances just to manage daily responsibilities. These trends highlight a workforce under significant strain.
While employers obviously cannot eliminate external stressors, workplaces can play an important role in prevention and support. Organizations can help by:
- Promoting clear drug-free workplace policies focused on safety and support
- Expanding access to mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programs
- Training managers to recognize stress and burnout
- Encouraging healthy work boundaries and open communication
The American Psychological Association recommends a few things to help employers manage stress in the workplace. These strategies may help reduce employee reliance on substances to cope. Giving employees more choice about “where, when, and how they work” can help manage workplace mental health, and really listening to (and acting on) what employees identify as being able to help them feel better while they work.
For employers, addressing stress and supporting employee wellbeing is a critical part of maintaining a healthy, safe, and productive workplace. As stress levels rise, organizations that prioritize prevention, mental health support, and clear workplace expectations are better positioned to reduce risk, improve morale, and strengthen overall performance. Investing in employee wellbeing not only supports individual workers but also helps create a more resilient workforce, where employees feel supported and equipped to succeed without external influence.
Sources:
Drug Rehab USA. (2026, March 18). High to get by: How Americans are using substances to cope with daily life. https://drugrehabus.org/substance-use-daily-life-study/
Striving for mental health excellence in the workplace. (2023, March). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/mental-health