Introduction

The professional environment can be a source of stress. The aim of this work is to review the research carried on issues of professional functioning and drinking alcohol, and to indicate areas that require further research.

The review of knowledge

Drinking is closely related to a person’s emotional life. So far, scientific research environment has pointed out that the use of alcohol among working people may be a consequence of difficulties experienced at work. In addition, alcohol abuse is an important social and organisational problem and may affect safety both at work and outside it. Analyses of available literature show that avoidance coping strategy, experiencing traumatic situations at work, workaholism or professional burnout generate an increase susceptibility to problem alcohol use.

Conclusions

There is a need for further elaboration of the issues around the link-up between work and coping with stress through the use of alcohol. Research on the relationship between professional stress and alcohol consumption requires not only a critical analysis of the state of knowledge in this area and exploration of new areas previously unknown, but also a review of research procedures that allow further development of research on this topic.