Holiday Mental Health & Substance Use in Construction

The end of the year brings well-earned breaks — but also new pressures for construction workers. Between year-end deadlines, long hours, financial strain, and personal expectations, the holiday season often amplifies stress on worksites.

For many in construction, this time of year can trigger challenges with mental health and substance use, both of which directly impact safety, focus, and wellbeing. Talking about these issues early — and often — helps prevent burnout, injuries, and tragedy.

Understanding the Mental-Health Challenge in Construction

Construction isn’t just physically demanding — it’s emotionally demanding, too. The industry’s culture of toughness can make it hard to speak up or ask for help. Yet the data paints a sobering picture:

• 64% of construction workers reported experiencing anxiety or depression in 2025, up from 54% in 2024 (Clayco Mental Health in Construction Survey).

• 26% of construction professionals said they have had suicidal thoughts (CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025).

• In Australia, 84% of tradespeople report ongoing mental-health challenges, and 75% say their work makes it difficult to focus on wellbeing (News.com.au, 2025).

• Suicide rates in construction remain among the highest of any industry — several times higher than the general population in many countries (CDC; MATES in Construction, 2025).

If you’re on a crew of ten, chances are several of your co-workers are struggling — whether you can see it or not.

The mental load of construction — unpredictable hours, physical exhaustion, transient employment, and high pressure for performance — means stress and fatigue can quickly spill into substance use or emotional breakdowns.

Why Substance Use Increases During the Holidays

For some workers, stress relief can lead to unhealthy coping behaviours such as drinking or drug use.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that people are more likely to drink beyond their limits during holidays than at other times of the year.

In safety-critical industries, that pattern is especially dangerous.

• Construction and extraction occupations rank among the highest for heavy drinking and illicit-drug use among full-time workers.

• A 2023 CPWR bulletin found synthetic opioids were involved in 75.7 percent of overdose deaths among construction and utility workers.

The connection between mental-health strain and substance use is clear — unmanaged stress can escalate to misuse, which then worsens depression and job-site safety risks.

Talking Openly About Substance Use and Stress

Leaders play a crucial role in changing site culture. Holding a short toolbox talk or safety briefing before the holidays can make a big difference.

Include these key talking points:

• Explain how alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time.

• Reinforce that impairment — even from fatigue or stress — affects everyone’s safety.

• Review the company’s alcohol and drug policy, and clarify expectations.

• Encourage peers to “check in, not check out.” Ask if teammates are doing okay and speak up early if they’re concerned.

• Provide clear, confidential resources for those seeking help.

Promoting Positive Mental Health Before the Break

Healthy routines protect against both mental fatigue and risky behaviour.
Share these reminders in pre-holiday briefings:

• Keep consistent sleep and exercise habits. Late nights and skipped meals can quickly add up.

• Set realistic expectations. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Manage workload and social commitments to avoid burnout.

• Disconnect completely during time off. Encourage teams to unplug from work communications.

• Plan ahead. Budget time and money to reduce last-minute stress.

• Reach out for help. No one should face challenges alone — whether it’s talking to a friend, counsellor, or using an employee assistance programme.

Resources and Support

Remind workers that help is available year-round and that seeking it is a sign of strength. You can include links or contact info for relevant services:

Australia

• Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au

• Alcohol and Drug Foundation – adf.org.au

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au

United States

• SAMHSA Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 988lifeline.org

Building a Culture of Care and Accountability

Every team member — from apprentices to site managers — contributes to a safe and healthy environment. Encouraging open conversations, normalizing help-seeking, and holding each other accountable creates stronger, safer crews.

As you close out the year, make mental health and substance awareness part of your regular safety culture. The conversation you start today might be the one that saves a life tomorrow.

Key Takeaways

• Construction workers continue to face the highest rates of stress, suicide, and substance misuse across all industries.

• 64 % report anxiety or depression, and the problem worsens around holidays.

• Toolbox talks and leadership conversations are simple, powerful prevention tools.

• Providing mental-health and EAP resources can protect workers’ lives and productivity.

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More construction safety and safety briefing topics by HammerTech can be found here.