The construction industry faces an often-overlooked crisis. Beyond the physical demands and technical skills required, workers deal with unique mental health challenges that often push them towards substance abuse, particularly drugs and alcohol. Alarmingly, among private industries, the construction sector has the highest rates of drug abuse and suicide. Advocates like Heather Gutierrez, a Colorado mother with a deeply personal connection to the issue, are determined to lead change.

Heather’s story embodies hope, resilience, and a call to action for the construction industry to tackle these pressing issues. Together, they aim to create a workplace culture that prioritises mental health, reduces stigma, and prevents unnecessary tragedies like those Heather has endured.

The Silent Crisis in Construction

Drug abuse in construction is not a new problem, but it remains an issue shrouded in stigma. Workers often face isolation, gruelling physical tasks, the stress of inconsistent pay, and easy access to painkillers after injuries. These factors, combined with a culture that sometimes normalises substance use, create the perfect storm for addiction and mental health deterioration.

Nick Williams, co-chair of the Mental Health Working Group at the Associated General Contractors, highlights the gravity of the situation. “Unfortunately, we still do have an abnormal number of deaths by opioid overdose in our industry,” Williams explains. Despite national reductions in overdose rates, the construction sector has yet to see the same progress. It’s a stark reminder that more work needs to be done.

A Movement for Change

Heather Gutierrez, also a co-chair of the Mental Health Working Group, is no stranger to the devastation that drug abuse can cause. Her 17-year-old son, Ty, tragically died from an intentional fentanyl overdose in March 2022. For years, Ty grappled with mental health challenges, cycling through inpatient and outpatient treatments without finding adequate support.

“I’m not going to leave my son’s death in vain,” Heather says. “There’s a desperate need for change—not just in construction but across all industries—to provide better mental health and recovery support.”

Heather’s determination has led her to advocate for mental health awareness and prevention in the construction industry. Her work, alongside Williams, focuses on educating employers and employees, encouraging conversations about mental health and creating an environment where asking for help is embraced rather than judged.

Promoting Awareness and Prevention

The Mental Health Working Group, formed in 2021, has spearheaded efforts to reduce stigma surrounding drug abuse and mental health in construction. By shedding light on the often-taboo topics of addiction and suicide, they’ve created an open dialogue within the industry, fostering an environment of understanding and support.

Williams notes that the key to their progress has been “normalising the conversation.” Leaders in the construction industry, many of whom have personally struggled with addiction or loss, now advocate openly for mental health awareness. These efforts are already breaking down barriers, encouraging workers to seek help before it’s too late.

One crucial initiative involves training workers and employers to recognise warning signs of mental health struggles and substance abuse. By promoting awareness and offering practical resources, such as counselling, mental health support, and access to preventative measures, the group paves the way for a safer, healthier workforce.

Why Construction Workers Are Especially Vulnerable

Understanding why drug abuse in construction is so prevalent requires examining the industry’s specific challenges. Jobs in construction are demanding, both physically and mentally. Many workers experience chronic pain and turn to drugs or alcohol for relief, while others struggle with economic instability and the seasonal nature of work. The culture of the construction industry often discourages vulnerability, making it harder for workers to voice their struggles or seek help.

Additionally, access to drugs, particularly prescription painkillers, can further exacerbate the problem. Without effective prevention strategies and a cultural shift, the cycle of addiction continues to claim lives.

Training for Change

One of the groundbreaking initiatives led by Gutierrez and her team occurred in 2024, when the group hosted a first-of-its-kind training in Colorado. The training educated construction workers on how to spot symptoms of substance abuse and introduced life-saving measures to address opioid overdoses.

Including insights from survivors and recovery counsellors, the training aimed to humanise the impact of substance abuse and equip workers with the tools to make a difference. The group has scheduled another session for August, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing education and prevention within the construction community.

A Vision for the Future

The goal of Gutierrez and the Mental Health Working Group is clear—to tackle addiction and suicide in the construction industry by creating a workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being. Change is never easy, but as Gutierrez reminds us, it starts with a conversation.

“What we do is inherently dangerous,” she says. “If you are mentally not prepared, not only are you not safe for yourself, but you’re also not safe for your wingman next to you.”

Gutierrez’s mission is deeply personal, but it resonates far beyond her own circle. Her relentless advocacy ensures that her son’s life and struggle will be a catalyst for change, driving the construction industry towards a future where every worker feels supported and valued.

A Collective Call to Action

The heartbreaking statistics surrounding drug abuse in construction and the personal stories of loss demand urgent attention. The construction industry has a long road ahead, but through education, awareness, and collective efforts, change is possible.

Heather Gutierrez and her peers are leading by example, demonstrating how workplaces can evolve to prioritise mental health and prevent substance abuse. It’s a movement rooted in compassion and resilience, with the hope of sparing others the pain that Gutierrez knows all too well.

The time for action is now. If the construction industry embraces this cultural shift, it can become a model for other sectors, proving that prioritising mental health is not just beneficial but essential.

Source: CBS News