The Hidden Struggle: Substance Abuse on the Jobsite

Hey – do you remember me?? Ya, not really one for writing an article but when you want to see change, sometimes you just need to do it yourself.? I’ve been around long enough to see a lot of changes in the construction industry—some good, some not so good. But there’s one struggle that’s remained constant for many workers: substance abuse. It’s a topic that often gets swept under the rug, but it’s something that affects a lot of us out here on the jobsite. And I get it—construction is tough, physically and mentally. Long hours, time away from family, and the constant wear and tear on your body can push anyone to look for relief. But when that relief comes in the form of alcohol, painkillers, or other substances, it’s a slippery slope that can lead to bigger problems.

The Good Ol' Days: Camaraderie and Isolation

I’ve been in the industry for years, and I remember the “good ol' days,” as we like to call them. Back then, after a long, grueling day on the site, we’d all gather around someone’s tailgate, crack open a beer, and talk. It was a way to unwind, to bond with the crew, and to forget about the aches and pains that came with the job. We were a family in a way, even if it meant sitting around missing our real families. Some of us had wives and kids at home, and it was tough being away for weeks or months at a time.

We’d talk about the work, complain about the heat, the cold, the tough bosses, the dumb asses, and even share a few laughs. But underneath all that was a shared sense of isolation. Sure, we had each other, but being away from home for so long starts to wear on you. You miss birthdays, holidays, sports, and those little moments with your kids that you can never get back. It was easy to reach for a beer or two, maybe more, just to make it through those lonely nights.

But it didn’t stop at beer for some of us. As the years went by and the work kept coming, those beers turned into something stronger, maybe a little 100 proof schnapps, and eventually, the wear and tear on our bodies made painkillers the next thing on the list. That’s where the real problems began.

The Physical Toll: Pain and Reliance on Painkillers

Construction isn’t for the faint of heart. The work is hard. Real hard. I’ve spent years bouncing around on scrapers, lifting heavy lumber, and carrying rebar across job sites. Over time, your body pays the price. My back’s been shot for years, my collarbone aches in the cold, and there are days when I can barely walk without feeling like my knees are going to give out. But like most of us out here, you push through because that’s what you do. You don’t complain; you just keep going.

But here’s the thing—there comes a point when pushing through isn’t enough. The pain starts to pile up, and that’s when a lot of us turn to painkillers. It starts off innocent enough—maybe the doc gives you a prescription after a bad fall or an injury on site. You take a few to get through the workday, but before you know it, those pills become a crutch. You can’t get through the day without them, and that’s when you’re in trouble.

I’ve seen it happen to good men—strong, hardworking guys who just wanted to do their job and support their families. But the pain becomes too much, and those painkillers start to control them. It’s not just physical pain, either. There’s the mental toll, too. You start feeling like you’re not as strong as you used to be, like you’re not the same guy who could lift a 4x4 over his shoulder and keep going. It messes with your head, and the next thing you know, you’re dependent on those pills to get you through the day.

Marijuana to Calm the Stress

Then there’s marijuana. A lot of guys out here use it to calm the stress after a long day on the job. I’ve seen it become a go-to for many workers, especially those who deal with the constant pressure of meeting deadlines, managing difficult bosses, and dealing with the aches and pains that come with the territory. It’s easy to justify—a quick smoke after work, just to unwind, to make the stress melt away. And for some, it seems harmless enough. It’s legal in a lot of places now, and people figure it’s better than reaching for a bottle of whiskey or popping pain pills.

But even marijuana has its downsides. For some, it becomes a way to check out mentally, to escape the pressure instead of facing it. You start relying on it, and before you know it, it’s no longer about relaxing after work—it’s about needing it to get through the day. And that’s when it becomes a problem, not just for the worker but for the whole crew. We depend on each other out here. If someone’s not sharp, if someone’s mind is elsewhere, mistakes happen. And in construction, mistakes can be dangerous.

Cocaine and the Push for Energy

On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got guys using cocaine to keep up the energy, especially on those graveyard or swing shifts. The work doesn’t stop, and neither do the demands. You’re expected to be alert, fast, and ready to go, even if your body is screaming for rest. I’ve seen workers turn to cocaine or other stimulants just to keep themselves going through those late-night shifts. It’s easy to see how it happens—you start off thinking it’s just something to help you push through the night, but soon enough, you can’t do the job without it.

Cocaine gives you that rush, I so I’ve heard – and you feel invincible. But it’s short-lived, and when you crash, you crash hard. I’ve seen it destroy lives. I’ve seen guys go from being top performers to complete wrecks because they couldn’t keep up without the drugs. They’d get jittery, paranoid, start making mistakes on the job. It’s not sustainable, and the price you pay in the long run is never worth it.

Being a Role Model: The Responsibility of Leadership

As a construction manager, I’ve had to confront this issue head-on—not just for myself, but for the guys and gals who look up to me. I’ve worked my way up from the bottom, and I know what it’s like to be one of the crew. I’ve been that guy on the tailgate with a beer, I’ve seen workers use marijuana to unwind, and I’ve watched as others turned to cocaine just to keep up with the grind. But now, I’m in a position of leadership, and that comes with a responsibility to set the right example.

It’s not easy. There are days when the pain is still there, and I miss the camaraderie of sitting around with the guys after a long day, sharing a few drinks. But I also know that I have to be the one to show them that there’s a better way. I have to be the one to say, “Hey, I get it. I’ve been there. But this isn’t the answer.”

I talk to the younger generation about taking care of their bodies, about not pushing themselves too hard, and about asking for help when they need it. It’s not a sign of weakness to say you’re in pain or that you need a break. That’s something I wish I’d learned earlier in my career. But back then, we didn’t talk about things like that. You just sucked it up and kept going. Now, I make it a point to let my crew know that it’s okay to take care of yourself. In fact, it’s necessary if you want to last in this industry.

The Road to Recovery: Finding Balance

Overcoming the reliance on substances—whether it’s alcohol, painkillers, marijuana, or cocaine—isn’t easy. It’s a battle, and it takes time. For me, it was about finding balance in my life. I had to learn that it’s okay to slow down, to rest, and to focus on my health. I started going to physical therapy for my back, and I found other ways to manage the pain that didn’t involve pills. I also made a conscious effort to stay connected with my family. I might still miss some of those little moments, but I make sure to be present when I am home. That helps keep me grounded.

I’m not perfect, and there are days when I still struggle. But I’ve learned that the tough-guy mentality doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence. There’s strength in asking for help, in admitting that you’re in pain, and in finding a healthier way to cope with it.

A Message to My Crew

If there’s one thing I want my crew to know, it’s this: You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re all in this together, and there’s no shame in admitting that you’re hurting—physically or mentally. The construction industry is tough, but we can’t let it break us. We have to take care of ourselves and each other.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of substance abuse, especially when you’re in pain, stressed, or trying to keep up with the demands of the job. But there’s a way out, and it starts with being honest about what you’re going through. Take care of your body, stay connected with your family, and find healthy ways to deal with the stress and pain of the job. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

Construction might be hard work, but it doesn’t have to destroy you. Let’s build something better—for ourselves, for our families, and for the future of this industry.