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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
Nov 13, 2026
Podcast: Mayor Touts Housing as Foundation of Memphis Growth Strategy
On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, COO Paul Lopez and guest host Karl Eckhart, NAHB VP of State and Local Government Affairs, welcome Mayor Paul Young of Memphis, Tenn.
Sponsored Content
Nov 12, 2026
What's Really Stalling Buyers, and the Sales You're Leaving on the Table
Buyers need enough money left over each month to live comfortably. And builders need enough margin and capital left over to keep building. Understanding the buyers' needs is essential to protecting your business.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Nov 13, 2026
Building Material Price Inflation Remains High Despite Energy Price Declines
The Producer Price Index for final demand was up 0.3% in October, after rising 1.4% in September. Compared to a year ago, final demand prices were up 6.5%.
Economics
Nov 13, 2026
No Relief: Credit Conditions for Builders Still Tightening
Credit conditions on loans for residential Land Acquisition, Development & Construction (AD&C) were still tightening in the third quarter of 2026, according to NAHB’s quarterly survey on AD&C Financing. The net easing index derived from the survey posted a third-quarter reading of -15.3 (the negative number indicating net tightening).
Economics
Nov 12, 2026
Existing Home Sales Fell to 16-Year Low
After a brief rebound last month, existing home sales plummeted to a 16-year low in October. With mortgage rates back above 7% since mid-September and home prices still elevated, buyers continued to stay on the sidelines.