Why Addiction Affects Professional Truck Drivers in Canada

professional truckers and addictionAny career that demands long hours and extreme conditions has the potential to push the worker into mental and physical stress, which are one of several segues into addiction and substance abuse. Add danger on the job and separation from comfort and support systems to the profession and you have an idea of what it is like to be a professional truck driver in Canada. It is shocking to many that truck drivers statistically struggle with addiction and substance abuse, considering the public safety threat that these problems pose to their profession. However, on-the-job stress is universally a trigger of addiction and substance abuse, and the trucking industry is no exception.

This is not to say that truck driving is without its benefits. Many truck drivers love the travel opportunities and the lure of the open road that the profession provides them. However, the negative elements of the job can push some to seek unhealthy stress outlets. The hours can be considerably longer than in other professions, and the mileage expectations can be heavy. The solitude and cab surroundings can also become very mentally taxing and make some feel stir crazy or imbalanced. The repetitive posture of driving can be hard on the body as well. Some truck driving positions also call for navigating dangerous conditions. Canadian winters can create deadly driving conditions, such as white outs and black ice, and regional trucking such as Fort McMurray jobs can demand operation of some of the biggest trucks on earth.

Many Canadian truckers turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with these negative job aspects. A majority of truck drivers have enough sense of responsibility to stay sober on the job, but there are some that become entrenched in addiction and make a habit out of using substances on the job, or simply make bad substance abuse judgments and decide to experiment with substances on the job. There have been instances of truckers causing major deadly accidents on Canadian highways and freeways while under the influence. Needless to say, it is vital that society connects truckers who are struggling with addiction and substance abuse to necessary treatment before lives are endangered, destroyed or ended.

Addiction treatment centers and residential rehabs are very familiar with the connection between difficult trade jobs and addiction. In fact, there are even programs that focus on addiction and substance abuse in trades such as trucking, with staff members who frequently come from the same lifestyle as the clients and represent the ability to fully recover.

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Treatment for Addiction in the Trucking Industry

trucking industry addiction treatmentProfessional truck driving in Canada is a noble profession, but it comes with a number of hardships that frequently push truck drivers into addiction or substance abuse. Whether it is a drug addiction in Winnipeg or an alcohol addiction Manitoba, truck driving and addiction do not mix. For example, due to long hours and days on the road, a truck driver can be separated from their homes and support systems for a long duration of time, which takes a toll on mental health and wellness. Or, frequently a truck driver will begin to feel stir crazy or anxious sitting in the cab of their truck for many hours on end. Either of these scenarios may push a truck driver to experiment with substances or behaviors that become addictive.

Truck drivers struggling with addiction can be dangerous to themselves and to other people while they are on the road. This is why it is imperative that addicted truck drivers seek treatment from a professional rehabilitation center without delay. There are a number of addiction treatment centers that are created specifically for Canadians working trade jobs such as trucking which demonstrate a high success rate.

A professional truck driver receiving addiction treatment can expect to encounter the best in professional rehabilitation services from a rehab that is tailored to their needs. They will receive a full detoxification if it is a substance they have become addicted to, complete with around-the-clock medical surveillance that will ensure their safety and comfort through withdrawals. Then, they will undergo intensive therapy, counseling and personal exercises that will help them understand the psychological source of their addiction so they can overcome it. Healthy meals will be prepared for them, exercise routines will be regular and recreational activities will be available to ensure the best in mental and physical health for recovering truck drivers. When treatment is complete, there will even be continuing treatment options, such as sober living arrangements, continuing counseling and access to support groups and sponsors.

Addiction is heavily challenging to break away from, but for professional truck drivers who are ready to take control of their lives and ensure their professional safety, hope is on the horizon.

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