Drinking Problems Among Employed, Unemployed and Shift Workers

This study investigated the relationships between drinking problems and the following: current employment status, current occupation, unemployment, shift work and alcohol-related problems. The study involved a household survey of 993 persons in Durham, an area near Toronto. A scale of 17 alcohol problems and symptoms was used. It was found that the highest rates of problems were among shift workers and the unemployed. The workers most likely to have serious problems were in processing/manufacturing, transport, artistic/literary/recreational and sales areas. Males with serious problems and shift workers reported drinking more when unemployed. Sanctions for work-related drinking problems, even for those with serious dependency, were rarely applied. This study suggests that priority targets for programs to assist employees with drinking problems should be males in processing/manufacturing, transport, artistic/literary/recreational areas and sales.