ABSTRACT
The effects of hazardous alcohol consumption in the workplace cannot be understated. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2019 reported that over half of the adult population are current alcohol consumers and that half of these drinkers engage in binge drinking. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant with a profound ability to impair cognitive functioning and motor skills, and so the implications of its use in the workplace are clear. Heavy alcohol use is not evenly distributed across organisations; some industries have much higher rates than others, and certain workplace characteristics make for greater alcohol use. This article discusses these issues, as well as employee and organisational consequences for alcohol use and effective intervention approaches which can reduce drinking and promote healthier workplaces.
