Hidden pressures of the party season: What businesses need to know about alcohol and drug use

By Tracey Harte from SIAS (Solihull Integrated Addiction Service)

As Christmas approaches, celebrations and get-togethers are on the agenda in most workplaces, which for some employees brings pressures that not only affects their wellbeing but potentially their safety and performance at work.

At SIAS, Solihull’s drug and alcohol advisory service, we have also identified that it is not just young people or problem drinkers who struggle at this time of year. Increasingly, middle-aged and older adults - especially women juggling work, caring responsibilities, and social commitments - are experiencing challenges with alcohol or prescription drugs often without realising it.

December brings additional pressures that can quietly increase alcohol or drug use without necessarily feeling like a problem.

Social Expectations at Work

Business lunches, client drinks, and end-of-year celebrations can make saying ‘no’ awkward.

Stress and exhaustion

Meeting deadlines and finishing off work during the pre-Christmas rush is demanding. Many people use alcohol or medication such as painkillers and tranquiliser to help manage stress, sleep, or physical aches which can lead to dependency over time.

Caring Responsibilities

Many women who may be middle-aged and older juggle work with caring for parents, partners, or grandchildren. The emotional load can lead to increased use of alcohol in the evening or reliance on medication to cope or sleep.

Loneliness

Even in a busy community, some older adults - especially those who are single or recently retired - experience loneliness at Christmas and may use alcohol to fill a gap or boost their mood temporarily.

Signs to Look Out For

Many people assume problems only occur when someone drinks heavily every day or uses drugs. In reality, harmful patterns often start gradually, such as drinking more than intended at home to unwind after work, relying on alcohol to cope with social obligations or perhaps trying to cut down but finding it harder than expected. Another sign is using prescription medications more often than prescribed.

These signs are often quite common among professional, capable, high-functioning adults who don’t fit the stereotypes of addiction.

Why This Matters for the Business Community

If an employee is struggling with substance misuse it doesn’t just affect personal wellbeing, the knock-on effect can have a significant impact on the workplace. Common issues are reduced concentration and decision-making, low mood or increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, more time off ill, an increased risk of accidents and a strain on workplace relationships.

However, these issues are preventable, especially with early support, and at SIAS we want to raise awareness of this.

Our experienced team can help employers to identify the signs that an employee or colleague could be struggling, to understand the issues involved and how to approach conversations with them and offer support.

Or if you are concerned about your own drinking or drug use, our service is here to talk to you in total confidence. You can self-refer and sometimes a single conversation is enough to make a difference and reset unhealthy habits.

Many people we support are balancing careers, families, and responsibilities. We offer confidential advice and support designed around busy professional lives.

Tips for Staying Well Over Christmas

In the meantime, try to make a start over the festive period. Even small changes can help. Try to plan alcohol-free days each week, and when out at a social event swap every second alcoholic drink for water or a soft drink and avoid topping up when you get home. If you are using medication, stick to the prescribed dose.

For confidential support at any time contact us at SIAS on 0121 301 4141 or visit www.sias-solihull.org.uk

This Christmas, give yourself the same care and attention you give to your business, your colleagues, and your family.