Substance Abuse

Welcome to “Onsite,” a fresh perspective brought to you by contributing writer Matt Ohley, general superintendent at Ajax Paving Industries, Tampa Division. In this column, Ohley cuts through the noise and delves into the challenges encountered by those shaping our world through construction. Ohley offers a unique perspective, amplifying the voices of those who experience the daily pulse of life on the job site.

Onsite is our commitment to breaking down the barriers and misconceptions that shroud the construction profession. Ohley aims to initiate open and honest conversations, from job insecurity to the transient nature of projects, physical strain and often-overlooked mental health struggles.

What comes to mind when you hear that someone has a substance abuse problem or, in more common vernacular, they’re an alcoholic or an addict?

It’s quite likely that (especially if you, yourself, haven’t struggled with the disease) some pejorative terms come to mind. Let’s be real, the terms alcoholic or addict themselves conjure up images in most peoples’ minds of the dregs of society — people who don’t contribute much to the culture as a whole but are rather a burden to it.

Make no mistake, I agree that those who are in active addiction can, and do, wreak havoc on not only their own lives, but also the lives of those around them. However, I would suggest to you that the images that often come to mind associated with those who struggle with this disease are skewed. In fact, you might be surprised to find out how many “regular people” struggle with this mental illness. According to the 2022 United States National Study on Drug Use and Health, one in six people struggle with some kind of substance use disorder. According to one study, in the construction industry specifically, that number rises to just shy of half (43%).

Having been in the construction industry for over half my life, that number doesn't shock me. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was actually higher.

Truth be told, I’m represented in that number.

Last month I didn’t write an article in this publication. Why? Because I was in a treatment center for substance use disorder (SUD).

You read that right. I voluntarily placed myself in a treatment facility for 30 days because this disease had reared its ugly head again. Life got tough and I succumbed to the pressure to numb. As I had done many years before, and as millions of humans do every day, I sought solace in the bottle. But unlike the majority of people who don’t struggle with this disease, I couldn’t stop. I needed help, and thankfully there is help to be found.

Does that make you think less of me?

Do the words I write now hold a little less weight?

Have I lost a little respect in your eyes?

I certainly hope not, but I will understand it if so.

The stigma associated with mental health in general, and substance abuse specifically, is real. Very real. But it’s high time we begin breaking that stigma and start talking about an issue that 46 million people in the United States alone struggle with, and nearly half of our brothers and sisters in the construction industry.

How do we go about breaking this stigma? I would suggest just like this: by talking about
it, by educating people on what it is and what it isn’t, by not being afraid to admit when we struggle with it, and by showing love and compassion to those that do.

Truth be told, I was a little scared to write this article. I had some fear that the publisher would read it and not want to be associated with me anymore. What would make me feel this way? The stigma, of course … the way alcoholics and addicts are viewed by some.

But here goes nothing…

As of the writing of this article, I have 39 grateful days sober. Much love to my fellow humans out there who are still struggling. If you are, and you’re reading this, please get help. Call 988 from your cell phone and they can help you start the process.

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Standing Together 

Shae McBride, CEO, Catalyst Communications Network

A publisher is more than just a single person; it’s a network of dedicated individuals striving to do their best every day. Above all, it's a community that supports each other.

Matt Ohley, among others, is part of the Catalyst Communications Network community, and we stand by him with compassion, admiration and respect.

As I read Matt's article, many thoughts came to mind, but never one of disappointment or regret. I discovered Matt on LinkedIn, drawn not only to his content, but also to his transparent perspective on construction workforces and human challenges. His raw, unapologetic approach and evident passion captivated me. 

I am deeply grateful to Matt for initially accepting the opportunity to work with us, and for the strength and courage it took to come back and share his journey. His words will make a difference in the lives of those around him, and we are honored to have him as part of our community.