Americans are turning to alcohol and drugs to decompress after they clock out of work — and many are self-medicating just to get through the day.
Nearly two-thirds of workers reported using alcohol, cannabis, or unprescribed pharmaceutical drugs such as Xanax and Klonopin at the end of the workday in the last 12 months, according to a new report from Modern Health, a workplace mental health platform.
More than half — 52% — said they have used these substances while at work.
Drug use to aid daily functioning is not a new phenomenon. Energy drinks and nicotine pouches help people stay alert and sharpen focus when that morning coffee caffeine jolt isn't enough. Wall Street bankers have been known to lean on Adderall and other stimulants to be more productive, while Silicon Valley executives microdose on ketamine or use psychedelics to be more creative.
But this study points to a different strain of drug use fueled by high rates of workplace stress and burnout — particularly among younger workers who are self-medicating to tame their anxiety at all hours rather than relying on coping mechanisms such as exercise or connecting with friends and family.
