Learn More About Signs of Substance Misuse in New NAHB Video

With drug overdoses soaring all over the United States and alcoholism on the rise, NAHB has published a new video toolbox talk on substance misuse that will help business owners and managers recognize issues on the jobsite and guide those struggling to get the help they need.

Substance misuse refers to using alcohol and/or drugs in a way that is excessive and interferes with relationships or the ability to get the job done. Being impaired because of drugs or alcohol poses an immediate danger to those under the influence and endangers every worker on the jobsite.

Substance misuse is a serious issue for construction workers, according to surveys of construction professionals:

• 17% reported drinking heavily in the previous month, defined as 15 or more drinks per week for men and eight or more for women.
• 12% said they had used illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines or opioids, in the past month.
• 14% reported addiction to alcohol or other drugs.
• It can take as little as five days to become addicted to prescription opioids.

Watch the video below to learn more. Visit the toolbox talk page on Substance Misuse for the Spanish version and a handout in English and Spanish.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid misuse, check out resources created by NAHB.