Bengaluru: The growing pressures of Bengaluru’s demanding work culture are pushing an increasing number of professionals towards alcohol, nicotine, prescription medication and recreational drugs as a way to cope with stress, according to mental health experts.
What often begins as an occasional drink after work, a cigarette break or medication to stay awake during deadlines can gradually develop into dependence if left unchecked.
Stress turning into substance dependence
Mental health professionals say many employees in the IT, startup and corporate sectors struggle with long working hours, tight deadlines, poor sleep and an inability to disconnect from work.
One such case involved a 36-year-old senior IT manager who initially consumed alcohol only on weekends to unwind. As work pressures intensified, weekend drinking turned into a daily habit before recreational drugs became part of his routine. Although he continued performing well professionally, years of burnout and emotional exhaustion eventually led to substance dependence. He sought treatment only after his family noticed changes in his behaviour.
Addiction often begins unnoticed
Dr Jayant Mahadevan, Assistant Professor at NIMHANS’ Centre for Addiction Medicine, said substance use often starts as a social activity before becoming a coping mechanism for stress.
He noted that while not everyone who consumes alcohol or drugs develops addiction, repeated use to manage emotional distress significantly increases the risk. According to him, nearly half of nicotine users may develop dependence, compared to around 20–25 per cent of alcohol and cannabis users.
Senior psychologist Neha Cadabam of Cadabam’s Hospitals said many professionals fail to recognise when casual habits evolve into addiction. She added that Bengaluru has also seen an increase in the use of party drugs such as MDMA and ecstasy, although workplace stress is only one contributing factor.
Early help can prevent long-term addiction
Experts said Bengaluru’s long commutes, return-to-office culture, fears of layoffs and increasing workloads have created chronic stress, leaving many professionals emotionally exhausted.
Most people seek treatment only after substance use begins affecting their work, relationships or results in legal trouble. However, doctors stressed that recovery is possible with timely intervention.
Dr Mahadevan said nearly 80 to 90 per cent of patients recover through outpatient treatment involving counselling, medication and behavioural therapy, without requiring admission to rehabilitation centres.
Mental health experts have urged professionals to seek support early, emphasising that recognising stress and asking for help can prevent occasional coping habits from turning into long-term addiction.