Alcohol Use Disorder: What to Expect When You Quit Drinking

In honor of Labor Day, we’ll be exploring the dangers of drinking after work. Cravings won’t necessarily affect everyone who cuts back on alcohol. Still, they’re pretty common, especially if you drink regularly or your alcohol use falls into the “heavy drinking” category (binge drinking 5 or more days in the last month).

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“You get the best benefit from alcohol when you drink in moderation. Just being dry for 1 month and going back to drinking in excess is a bad idea. If you are drinking in excess, it’s better to cut your alcohol intake,” said Dasgupta.

Alcohol and Liver Disease

“Without anyone changing the rules, or making any bold statement, just with social pressure, I think we’ll see a greater shift away from alcohol-centred activities,” he says. Half-price drinks or two for the price of one deals sound great on paper, but these offers can promote binge drinking. It’s often a relief to knock back a drink or two after a long day at work, and as an added incentive, happy hour is usually from 4–6 p.m., coinciding perfectly with the end of the workday. After work drinks are the perfect excuse to celebrate the end of a successful project or the start of a big one.

Signs of Alcohol Dependence at Work

In severe cases of withdrawal when symptoms are not treated, a person may experience generalized tonic-clonic seizures, delirium tremens, and even death. For those with alcohol misuse and dependence, the conditions are connected to chronic sleep disturbance, lower slow-wave sleep, and more rapid eye movement. “I would suggest cutting back on several things drinking after work rather than completely eliminating to avoid feeling deprived, which can lead to rebound eating/drinking and weight regain,” she said. Depending on the person, Kumar said she sometimes suggests cutting back on alcohol to lose weight. On the other hand, if you drink in moderation, alcohol doesn’t affect LDL and instead increases good cholesterol (HDL).

By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorize Addictionresource to contact you. You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from Addictionresource. Consider a formal intervention if the employee’s behavior does not improve despite utilizing https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the EAP or refuses to use the services. Gather evidence of continued alcohol use at work, such as documentation of incidents, coworker reports, and performance issues. Although there aren’t specific employment laws directly addressing alcohol consumption in the workplace, certain industries are ruled by specific regulations that strictly forbid it.

Keep a detailed record of the conversation, including the date, time, what was discussed, and any agreed-upon actions. Documentation is crucial for any future steps that may need to be taken. When it’s apparent that you work under the influence, your job could be on the line.

• This may well test your resolve as the evening progresses, but keeping a mental note of what you’ve had will help set boundaries.
• While occupational hazards are intrinsic to many professions, alcohol consumption introduces an additional, and often underestimated, layer of risk.
• Depending on the person, Kumar said she sometimes suggests cutting back on alcohol to lose weight.

Alcohol and Sleep

While having drinks with coworkers and employees may seem like a harmless bonding activity, things can quickly take a turn for the worse. Depending on the severity and recurrence of the issue, disciplinary actions may range from formal warnings to suspension or termination. Ensure all actions align with the company’s substance abuse policy and employee handbook. Policies should outline the steps for disciplinary action and termination related to substance abuse. The ADA protects employees with alcoholism as a disability, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations. However, it does not protect employees currently using alcohol in a way that impairs job performance or safety.

• Research shows that people who work 55 or more hours a week are more likely to drink in risky ways.
• “A typical craving might last for 3 to 5 minutes,” notes Christina Hanks, senior recovery coach and care team manager at Tempest.
• This fosters a healthier environment and protects both employees and the organization.
• Cirrhosis of the liver (severe scarring of the liver) can occur over time in those who drink excessively.

And among people in the UK, half of those surveyed by researchers at the University of Stirling in Scotland admitted to being pressured into drinking alcohol by colleagues and family. It also showed that generally, men felt coerced into drinking more often than women, with men 20% more likely to be encouraged into drinking by their colleagues and 37% more by their bosses. A balanced approach of support and enforcement helps employees overcome substance abuse issues while maintaining workplace safety and efficiency.

Mild Short-Term Symptoms

Cirrhosis of the liver (severe scarring of the liver) can occur over time in those who drink excessively. Regardless of what you decide, do it with a spirit of exploration. You’ll probably need to play around with several options before you hit on something that feels just as good (or better) than alcohol to kick off your night. When you find yourself surprised by how nice a change feels, you’ve found your thing—at least for now—and you can switch it up whenever you like.