Farmers struggle with increased anxiety, risk for alcohol misuse

KEARNEY, Neb. — Farmers face increased anxiety associated with a higher risk for alcohol misuse, according to a study discussed during an AgriSafe webinar.

Christine Chasek, associate professor at University of Nebraska at Kearney, led the study.

While most people in the survey were low-risk for substance and alcohol misuse, the younger generation suffered more. They also reported higher rates of anxiety.

“The youngest age group, ages 19-39, had the highest prevalence of high risk for alcohol and substance use disorders and anxiety disorders,” Chasek said. “Agricultural workers are more likely to have anxiety issues (than the general population). I think it goes back to feeling a lot of pressure.”

Approximately 20.1 million people aged 12 or older had a substance-use disorder related to their use of alcohol or illicit drugs, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.

“Nationwide, we tend to have an overuse of substances,” Chasek said. “It’s worse in rural states.”

Farmers face unique challenges to overall health, including financial pressure, isolation, loneliness, stress, lack of access to services and overworking.

“One of the biggest issues we face is stigma,” Chasek said. “Nobody wants to talk about it, nobody wants to share.”

Rural communities can combat substance and alcohol misuse in several ways.

According to the Rural Health Information Hub, prevention programs can help reduce substance use in rural communities — particularly when focused on adolescents.

Programs using evidence-based strategies that involve parents within schools and churches may discourage substance use by younger adults.

Communities can use the following strategies to control substance use:

• Holding community or town hall meetings to raise awareness of the issues.
• Training law enforcement regarding liquor license compliance, underage drinking and detection of impaired drivers.
• Inviting speakers to talk to school-aged children and help them understand the consequences of substance use.
• Conducting routine screening in primary care visits to identify at-risk children and adults.
• Collaborating with churches, service clubs and employers to provide a strong support system for individuals in recovery, which might include support groups and tobacco quit-lines.
• Training volunteers to identify and refer individuals at risk.
• Developing a formal substance use prevention or treatment program for the community.
• Providing care coordination and patient navigation services for people with substance use disorders.
• Providing specialized programs and counseling to discourage substance use by pregnant women.
• Collaborating with human services providers and local service organizations to ensure families affected by substance use disorder have adequate food, housing and mental health services.
• Providing emergency departments, first responders and the public with training and access to overdose reversal drugs.

Those in need of help can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 800-662-4357.