April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and while we primarily focus on suicide in the construction industry, we must talk about alcohol and its impact on mental health. Construction workers are more likely to drink excessively, use substances, and face mental health challenges. The nature of the work, with irregular hours, frequent travel away from loved ones, and physical injuries, is a contributing factor to excessive alcohol use and increased risk for suicide in the construction industry.
The connection between alcohol and suicide is well-documented. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA), over 20% of suicide deaths involve alcohol intoxication.
In this month’s toolbox talk, we outline drinking definitions and provide tips on reducing alcohol consumption.
Many people don’t know what constitutes one standard drink. The standard drink, in terms of Alcohol by Volume (ABV), is 12 fl. oz. beer (5% ABV) o, five fl. oz. wine (12% ABV) o, 1.5 fl. oz. liquor/hard alcohol (40% ABV). Since drinks have variable ABV, our partners at Rethink the Drink created an Alcohol Drink Size Calculator to track how much alcohol and calories are in your drink. Understanding this is crucial for recognizing and addressing unhealthy drinking patterns.
Once you understand what defines a single drink, you can start accurately assessing your drinking habits and making changes. Consider setting limits, counting your drinks, or using an app to track consumption.
Prevention is about having a plan. If you are looking to reduce your drinking, avoid environments where binge drinking is encouraged, eat while drinking, and limit alcohol availability at home.
Finally, construction is dangerous work, and we count on our crew to stay safe. Safety requires coming to work sober and aware, not hungover.
We created this toolbox talk to spark an open conversation about how alcohol affects our daily lives and encourages positive changes.
Watch the video. Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Download the toolbox talk here.
If you want to discuss alcohol and mental health in greater depth, please sign up for this month’s Shop Talk, which will be held virtually on Friday, April 25th, at 8 AM (PT). Register here to join!
Resources
Alcohol and Drug Helpline | Call 800-923-4357 (24/7/365)
Lines for Life’s Alcohol and Drug Helpline serves anyone who needs information, support, or access to resources and treatment for alcohol or drug use. The Alcohol and Drug Helpline is free, confidential, and available for calls 24/7/365.
We have a list of additional resources here
