Construction workers are more likely to use cocaine and misuse prescription opioids than employees of any other industry.
That’s according to a recent study at the New York University College of Global Public Health that was published last week.
The study found that more than 3% of construction workers reported misusing prescription options, compared to 2% of workers in other professions.
Researchers blame that on high rate of job injuries, which lead to workers using opioids to treat pain, but that treatment can later create addiction.
The study also found that low pay and unstable work could be contributing factors. Also, more than 12% of construction workers reported using marijuana, compared with 7.5% of all other workers.