For many Gen Z workers, the daily grind is coming with a side of stress — and some are turning to alcohol, cannabis, and prescription medications just to make it through the day.

A new survey of 1,000 American adults conducted by Drug Rehab USA found that a growing number of younger workers are using substances before, during, and after work as a way to manage workplace pressure and burnout.

According to the survey, 35% of Gen Z respondents admitted to using substances like alcohol, cannabis, or prescription medications before starting their workday. Even more alarming, nearly one-third said they use substances during work breaks, whether in their car or even workplace bathrooms. Some respondents also admitted to sneaking substances during meetings or work calls.

And the stress doesn’t stop when the clock runs out. More than half of Gen Z participants — 56% — said they use substances after work to recover from job-related stress.

Experts say the trend reflects the intense pressures younger generations face today. Gen Z has grown up in a world of nonstop connectivity, social media pressure, economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and constant bad news cycles. Mental health resources like therapy are often expensive or difficult to access, leaving many looking for alternative ways to cope.

“It’s not that Gen Z can’t handle stress,” explained Andrew McKenna of the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence/Westchester. “They’re dealing with a version of life that feels constantly ‘on,’ and it’s difficult to step away from it.”

While Gen Z may be grabbing headlines, Millennials are also feeling the pressure. In some areas, Millennials actually reported even higher rates of substance use connected to work stress. About 62% said they use alcohol to cope with stress, slightly higher than Gen Z respondents at 61%.

The study found alcohol remains the most commonly used substance across all generations, followed closely by cannabis products and nicotine. Smaller numbers reported using anxiety medications, stimulants like Adderall, painkillers, and even illicit drugs.

The findings paint a troubling picture of how workplace stress and modern life are affecting Americans across multiple generations. As burnout continues to rise, experts warn that self-medicating may provide temporary relief — but can create even bigger problems down the road.