Will Federal Worker Layoffs Increase Substance Use Rates in the US?

No official figure exists yet for the total number of federal worker layoffs recently.  However, in the first month of the Trump administration, thousands of government employees were laid off and others were told to plan for large-scale reductions.  This raises the question of how it relates to an increase in substance use rates.  

Here are some things we know about the relationship between job status and drug and alcohol abuse.  

Which Federal Employees Are Affected by Layoffs?

The White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), offers different options to different agencies and employees  For instance, they provided a “deferred resignation” option to those who chose to quit by February 6.  This option is in exchange for financial incentives such as paid leave.  About 75,000 of the employees accepted this offer.  

Nearly 220,000 federal probationary employees (on the job for less than one year) have no civil service protection and were laid off on February 13 this year.

The Defense Department will cut about 5,400 probationary workers and implement a hiring freeze, exempting uniformed military. Before the cuts, the department had more than 700,000 civilian workers.

Other federal departments and employees subjected to layoffs include:

• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Education Department
• Energy Department
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Homeland Security
• Internal Revenue
• Department of Justice
• State Department
• National Park Service
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Agriculture Department
• Foreign Aid and Development
• Federal Grants and Loan
• Inspectors General

The scope of the layoffs is far-reaching and may expand as the year progresses.  When people are suddenly out of work, their financial status could spiral, leading to feelings of helplessness, despondence, and depression.  These symptoms often contribute to substance abuse and addiction.

Relationship Between Job Status and Substance Use

It’s an interesting and confusing relationship.  On one hand, substance use can reduce a person’s chance of getting a job.  Conversely, being out of work can lead a person to turn to substance use as a coping tool.  So, it’s not hard to deduce that an increase in unemployment in the U.S. could potentially drive up the rates of substance use and addiction.  

Drug use and abuse are strongly related to job status in several ways.  People who work regularly have less free time and aren’t as easily bored.  They want to spend their time away from work enjoying friends, family, hobbies, vacations, and such.  However, someone who doesn’t work full- or part-time might feel unproductive and useless.  A common response to psychological stress is to turn to substance abuse.

Studies show that in 2023, 27.9% (3.3 million) of unemployed adults had drug or alcohol use disorders. Here are a few more results from the study:

• Alcohol use is more prevalent among unemployed people than employed people.
• Unemployed people are more likely to have binge drinking patterns.
• Unemployed people had a higher rate of smoking and vaping.
• Cannabis is used more frequently among unemployed people.
• Job loss is associated with a high risk of alcohol addiction and alcohol-related health problems.

In general, unemployment is a risk factor for substance use, addiction, and the need for professional treatment, according to the NIH. The relationship between unemployment and substance use is a subject of ongoing research and interest.

More Americans are likely to succumb to the temptation of an easy escape from their problems during these uncertain times in America, bringing the rates of substance use to higher levels.

Help for Substance Use Disorders at Design for Change Recovery

Each person has different reasons for using drugs or alcohol, but they all have one thing in common.  They need help to quit.  Regardless of why you started using addictive substances, the fact remains that they’re hard to resist.  Once addiction takes hold, withdrawal symptoms appear, and you’re fighting a war you can’t win on your own.  

Addiction is hard to beat because it is such a complex disorder. Factors like mental health disorders, physical health problems, environmental issues, unemployment,  financial problems, and relationship issues contribute to the need for professional intervention. 

Our compassionate, skilled addiction treatment staff and counselors understand these complexities of addiction.  Furthermore, they respect your decision to become substance-free and will ensure that you get the high-quality care and respect you need and deserve. 

Our Lancaster, CA facility provides a full continuum of care customized to your unique circumstances.  Our programs are fully licensed and JCAHO-accredited and in-network with major insurance companies to help you get the best, most affordable care possible.

Contact us by phone, email, or online to learn more about how Design for Change can help you bring about a positive change in your life.  One of our treatment advisors will be available to assist you in any way.  

Sources:

apnews.com – A Comprehensive Look at DOGE’s Firings and Layoffs So Far

apnews.com – Pentagon Says It Will Cut 5,400 Probationary Workers Starting Next Week

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ – Unemployment and Substance Use: An Updated Review of Studies from North America and Europe