Welcome to the UKREiiF opinion series! We’ve gained exclusive access to the opinions of leaders from across our industry. Stay tuned to find out thoughts on the important issues that affect the UK Built Environment.

By Anonymous

My name’s Jason, and I’m an alcoholic.

I also work in the UK Built Environment.

For 21 years, I’ve been on a sober path. My battle with alcohol and drugs was a challenging chapter in my life, but I found genuine recovery in 12-step programmes like Alcoholics Anonymous.

However, it appears that I’m one of the few fortunate ones in our industry.

Recent articles from established sources like Construction News, Construction Enquirer, and AJG have illuminated that there is a problem within our sector. These revelations are deeply concerning, but for those of us who’ve experienced them firsthand, they’re a familiar tale.

An article from Construction News in April 2023 highlighted the looming threat of drug and alcohol misuse in construction – stating the profession to be seen as rewarding and fulfilling but also at times it can be demanding and substances were seen as a way to cope by some.

At this juncture, it’s essential to understand that this isn’t a reflection of the industry but rather individual choices and predispositions. My belief, rooted in personal experience and the histories of my mother and grandmother, is that alcoholism is genetically inherited. Whether you work in the construction industry or elsewhere, if you’re born with this predisposition, you’re born an alcoholic. It’s not the industry that makes one an alcoholic; it’s a genetic inheritance (but that’s my opinion!).

Regardless, the construction industry, a predominantly male sector, faces alarming statistics on mental health. Men in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. In construction, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average for men! Reports suggest this could be due to the pressures of the job, with tight contracts and long hours highlighted in addition to time away from loved ones, and managing budgets. The added stresses of the pandemic and rising costs of supplies further compound these challenges. A prevailing “macho” culture within construction often prevents many workers from seeking the support they need, putting additional stress on their mental health and well-being.

A report by Mates in Mind and the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) in 2022 revealed that almost a third of construction workers from various trades are living with elevated levels of anxiety each day. The stigma of mental illness often prevents them from discussing it beyond close friends or family members. Additionally, a report by the Chartered Institute of Building found that 26% of construction industry professionals thought about taking their own lives in 2019. Moreover, 56% of construction professionals work for organisations with no policies on mental health in the workplace.

Take it from me: when you’re alone with your demons, booze and drugs are readily available to temporarily keep them at bay.

Alcoholism is a progressive disease. It’s a cunning predator. It starts out slowly, but gradually it begins to demand more attention.

The thing is, the alcohol and drugs give the demons a louder voice, yet you keep pouring fuel on the fire, unaware that the anaesthetic is making things worse, not better.

So, the spiral goes deeper.

This starts to impact your work – you show up for work late. Or call in ‘sick’. You barely function at work and start to make mistakes.

If you’re lucky, no one gets hurt.

While the personal and safety implications of alcohol are well documented, its environmental impact is less discussed but equally concerning. The production of alcohol, especially in large quantities, leads to significant water usage, carbon emissions, and waste. Distilleries discharge pollutants, and the transportation of alcoholic beverages contributes to carbon footprints. In an industry already grappling with sustainability challenges, the added environmental burden of alcohol production and consumption is another layer of complexity.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the UK government has taken steps to address the issue. They’ve allocated £5 million to address drug-related deaths across the UK. Additionally, a substantial £421 million has been earmarked to enhance drug and alcohol treatment facilities in England.

Industry conferences, while invaluable for networking and knowledge exchange, have occasionally been marred by excessive alcohol consumption. Some events have earned a reputation for this, overshadowing their primary objectives. However, organisations like UKREiiF are pioneering a change, advocating for responsible enjoyment. They champion the idea that attendees can have a fulfilling experience without overindulgence. This balanced approach is something other events should emulate.

Reflecting on my early days of addiction, the construction site served dual roles: my workplace and my escape. The bond among workers was genuine, but so was our collective pain. Casual drinks post-shift soon spiralled into dependency.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was my beacon during those dark times. I urge you to get in contact If you or someone you know is grappling with similar challenges, reach out to AA in the UK at 0800 9177 650.

Education and training are key to eliminating the stigma. Mates in Mind has empowered hundreds of organisations across the UK to tackle the silence surrounding mental ill-health and embed a positive culture change within these workplaces. Working alongside partners, sector leaders, and a growing community of supporters, they deliver effective change across the UK by providing the skills, clarity, and confidence to employers on how to raise awareness, improve understanding, and address the stigma of mental health.

The construction industry is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. It’s an industry that I’m proud to be a part of. Having traversed the challenging terrain of addiction, I can attest to the possibility of change. Let’s collaboratively strive for a safer, more sustainable future for the UK construction industry.