Which substance has the highest percentage of abuse among workers in the construction industry?

The substance with the highest percentage of abuse among workers in the construction industry is alcohol. This is largely due to the social and cultural dynamics within the construction field, where alcohol use may be normalized in some environments, particularly during after-work activities or social gatherings.

Alcohol is often more accessible than other drugs and can be socially accepted in many contexts. Its effects can also be misleading; while alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, it doesn't always have the immediate and severe visibility that illegal drugs might have, which can lead to its increased prevalence in workplace settings. Furthermore, the physical demands and stressors associated with construction work may encourage some workers to use alcohol as a coping mechanism, enhancing its rate of abuse in this industry.

Other substances such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana certainly have their own levels of abuse, but they do not match the widespread use and acceptance of alcohol among construction workers.