Taking drugs in the working environment: A study in a sample of 2106 workers in the Toulouse metropolitan area

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of "supportive" drug use and addictive behaviour in the working environment. Methods: In May 2000, 2106 workers were asked to complete an anonymous self-questionnaire during their annual compulsory examination to assess their aptitude for work. Data collected concerned socioprofessional characteristics, perceived stress, job satisfaction and satisfaction outside of the workplace, and the use of licit psychoactive substances (alcohol, coffee, drugs) to face up to job strain. Results: One-third of workers used drugs in the context of work: 20% used drugs to be in good form at work, 12% used drugs at the workplace for an awkward symptom, and 18% used drugs to relax after a difficult day's work. This use concerned mainly psycholeptic drugs, which were combined with caffeine and alcohol. This behaviour and nicotine dependence were more frequent in employees and manual workers. Apart from alcohol use, psychological distress and female gender were associated with such behaviour. Conclusions: The use of medications or other licit psychoactive substances in order to face up to work difficulties is a frequent phenomenom, which concerned one-third of this sample of the French working population. Our results give an initial estimation of this little known "doping" behaviour.