More than consumption: moderating and independent effects of workplace factors on alcohol problems

In a household survey, 882 respondents provided information on (1) weekly alcohol consumption, (2) perceptions of job security, pressures exerted by co-workers and friends to use alcohol and other drugs, social isolation on the job, and (3) alcohol-related problems. At a bivariate level, consumption was positively related to alcohol problems (r = .45, p < .001). However, perceived pressure to use alcohol and other drugs exacerbated the effects of consumption on social and legal problems among drinkers reporting low (three or fewer drinks per week) and high (nine or more drinks per week) levels of alcohol use. In addition, workplace variables improved the predictability of alcohol problems, after effects of alcohol consumption were controlled. These results suggest that future work should examine perceived characteristics of the workplace as moderators of consumption effects, and as direct effects on alcohol-related problems, independently of consumption levels.