A long while ago, I realized that my career counseling work had a higher purpose than helping people find better careers. The work sometimes saved lives – perhaps not literally – but in providing career direction to those who otherwise would drift down a psychological wormhole of anxiety and depression due to their unhappy jobs. I now realize that those who do not have good jobs often face another demon: drug addiction.
I think of one of my cousins. A talented professional musician who had some substance abuse issues when younger but only when his orchestra closed did he drift into serious addiction issues. Idle hands…
Unfortunately, this is true for many. Unhappy work or lack of work creates pain. Drugs temporarily relieve pain. Get career help if needed.
This article explains in greater detail how economic distress leads to drug problems.