The US Department of Labor has documented substance abuse and addiction among professions, and they found that machine operators have high rates of drug abuse. Machine operators are employed in manufacturing or production facilities wherein they operate machine tools and equipment
These jobs are generally repetitive, requiring the same physical motions daily, which can cause great stress, physical pain and other issues that promote substance abuse. Get help today to quit drugs and retain your job as a machine operator.
What Influences Substance Abuse among Machine Operators?
This type of work can be extremely monotonous, which can promote drug abuse. While people can become skilled at a repetitive craft, the work can get tedious and boring, so people will desire some sort mental stimulation. Feeling bored, unfulfilled and restless can create a void in someone’s life, which can lead to substance abuse for fun. Alcohol, drugs and other behaviors that cause excitement or sedation can seem like a solution to boredom, depression and lacking purpose.
In addition, machine operators face considerable stress. These workers operate heavy, dangerous equipment, so one minor mistake can injure either themselves or others, and it can undermine the production of a certain product. Many of these workers maintain long shifts or revolving hours, which is how many employers attempt to create a more diverse or invigorating work environment since they cannot change the job’s task. To keep up with the change in shifts, people may resort to drugs or alcohol to have or to stay focused.
Long hours of standing, sitting or performing the same physical tasks can cause pain, especially in the back, neck and legs. Furthermore, other issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis can also complicate machine operation. When pain or discomfort threaten someone’s ability to perform at work, she risks losing her job, because many people can and are willing to do this work. This means that taking time off from work to address an injury or illness can cost someone her job or money that she cannot afford to lose.
Because of the threats to job security, people may try to address discomfort with painkillers and other drugs. The problem with this is that long-term drug use will lead to tolerance, elevated use and eventually addiction. If your job is damaging your health and job, and if you are concerned that you abuse drugs due to your work, then reach out for professional help.