Causes and Drivers of Addiction and Suicide

Research and Tools for the Addiction and Suicide Crisis in the Building and Construction Industry
Substance use disorder and suicide have become increasingly prevalent within the construction trades industry, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This sector can contain workplace risk factors that could contribute to the likelihood of employees misusing substances or struggling with mental health issues.

Through this study we aimed to:

1. Identify drivers of the higher rates of addiction and suicide in Ontario’s construction and trades sector.
2. Develop resources and tools to address findings and mitigate construction workers’ risks of experiencing substance use disorder or mental health issues.

Who Participated

  • A total of 1,256 participants completed online surveys, including:
    • 1,011 members of Ontario’s construction trades.
    • 167 leaders of Ontario’s construction trades.
    • 78 clients of De Novo Treatment Centre.
  • A total of 11 leaders also participated in in-depth interviews.

Key Findings

1. The Realities of the Trades are Drivers of Mental Health and Addiction Issues

The five main drivers of addiction and suicide in the trades were identified as:

  • Work Habits and Schedule
  • Personal Relations
  • Mental Health
  • Finances
  • Discrimination and Bullying.

These factors are also interconnected, meaning work habits, personal relations, finances, and bullying can also impact and intensify mental health issues, and vice-versa.

2. There is Real Engagement in Shifting the Culture of the Trades

  • Tradespeople are willing to offer support to colleagues and help get the right kind of support for those who may be struggling with their mental health or an addiction.
  • Employees and leaders are in favour of training and education to increase awareness of mental health, addiction and suicide, and how to access resources or supports.
  • Participants felt workplace support and accommodations can help to promote a healthier and more productive work environment.

Why this matters for the trades

  • The five main drivers identify that a systemic culture shift is needed to create healthier work environments.
  • The root causes of addiction and mental health challenges can significantly impact tradespeople’s well-being and safety.
  • Tradespeople and leaders are actively engaged in shifting the culture, and recognize the value of mental health training, peer support, and workplace accommodations. This growing commitment to awareness and support lays the foundation for a more resilient, productive, and compassionate industry.

Outcomes

Workplace factors like work-related stress and physical pain from the type of work, an inability to maintain personal relations, financial insecurity, and bullying can impact employees’ mental and physical health and substance use habits. While these realities of the trades are drivers of mental health and addiction issues, there is real engagement across all levels of the industry in shifting the culture. De Novo Treatment Centre continues to provide education, information, and resources to its stakeholders and contributors in support of this culture shift.

In addition, as a result of this project De Novo developed the You Are No Longer Alone Resource Page (available at You Are No Longer Alone – De Novo Treatment Centre), and the You Are No Longer Alone Documentary (available below).

How to cite this data: De Novo Treatment Centre. (2021). Research and Tools for the Addiction and Suicide Crisis in the Building and Construction Industry. https://denovo.ca

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Ce projet Emploi Ontario est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada est le gouvernement de l’Ontario.

Special thank you to our project supporter:

Educational Resources

You Are No Longer Alone

You Are No Longer Alone is an inspiring half hour documentary discussing the top five drivers of addiction and suicide in the construction industry identified by De Novo’s first research project. The video features members and leaders in the trades who openly share their personal experiences and highlight positive changes to shift the culture to one of support. The documentary also provides an overview of the drug and alcohol treatment supports provided to the Ontario construction and building trades through De Novo Treatment Centre.

Research Lecture

A shorter version of the De Novo Research Lecture discussing findings and outcomes of De Novo’s first project; Research and Tools for the Addiction and Suicide Crisis in the Building and Construction Industry.