The Morning After Matters: Impact of Festive Drinking & Substance Abuse

The festive season brings celebration, connection, and much-needed time to switch off but it also coincides with a noticeable rise in alcohol and substance use. Work Christmas parties, social gatherings, and the “just this once” mindset can make December one of the riskiest months for next-day impairment.

This isn’t just about dependency or long-term misuse. Even one heavy night can affect someone’s ability to function safely and effectively at work the next day and because the effects are often silent, the impact can go unnoticed.

Hangovers, come downs and What’s Really Happening

A hangover or comedown isn’t simply “feeling rough” Physiologically and psychologically, the body may be dealing with:

• Dehydration, headache, nausea and physical discomfort.
• Disrupted sleep or poor sleep quality.
• Cognitive impairment, slower reaction times and reduced concentration.
• Reduced energy, fatigue, possible mood swings or anxiety
• Worse Co-ordination or sluggishness.

These effects often last into the next working day.

What the Research and Statistics Say

Below are some key data points that highlight the impact of substance-related absent or impaired work – including hangovers and come downs.

• Every year, hangovers and substance-related impairment at work cost the UK economy an estimated £1.2 billion to £1.4 billion [1].
• Almost two-thirds (64%) of UK drinkers intend to drink more alcohol over Christmas than they typically would at other times of the year, according to a new study published by alcohol-harm charity Drinkaware [1].
• Almost a third of people (31%) have admitted to having worked with a hangover [2].
• On average, people believed themselves to be 39% less effective when they were drunk or hungover [3].
• Impact Assessment paper on minimum pricing calculated the total cost of lost productivity due to alcohol in the UK at around £7.3bn per year, this includes premature death of working age people, unemployment and sickness absence [4].

These statistics show that the issue is not marginal or limited to heavy drinkers. Even occasional nights out or festive drinking can add up to a significant loss of productivity, increased errors and elevated risk the next day.

How this shows up at Work – Beyond “Feeling Rough”

It’s not just about feeling rough, the after-effects of alcohol or drug use can quietly ripple through the entire workday:

• Foggy thinking and slower reactions turn simple tasks into challenges and increase the chance of mistakes.
• Higher safety and compliance risks, especially in roles involving machinery, driving, precision work or customer interaction.
• Noticeably lower productivity, linking back to previous stat – on average people viewed themselves as 39% less effective when drunk or hungover.
• Late starts, absences or sick calls when people simply can’t function at full capacity.
• Mood dips and irritability that strain team relationships and create tension.
• Hidden organisational costs — from lost hours and rework to safety issues and potential reputational harm.

The bottom line? The “morning after” doesn’t stay with the individual, the whole workplace feels it.

The festive season is meant for celebration but the morning after can bring real challenges for both employees and employers. Hangovers, comedowns, and next-day impairment don’t just affect how someone feels; they can impact safety, focus, teamwork, and the overall flow of the working day.

With December bringing higher levels of drinking and substance use, it’s important to talk about these risks honestly. This isn’t about policing behaviour it’s about looking after people, keeping standards high, and creating a workplace where everyone can perform at their best.

Clear expectations, open conversations, and simple wellbeing measures can go a long way. And for organisations that want to strengthen that support, reliable testing services can add an extra layer of reassurance and protection for the whole team.

Contact us today:

If you want support in keeping your workplace safe and productive throughout the festive season, Randox Testing Services is here to help.
From guidance and policy support to testing services, we can help you navigate the challenges of December with confidence.

Email: testingservices@randox.com

Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011

LinkedIn: Randox Testing Services

Learn more about our services at: Randox Drug & Alcohol Testing Services

References

1. “Drinkaware.” Drinkaware.co.uk, 2024, www.drinkaware.co.uk/news/two-thirds-of-uk-drinkers-intend-to-drink-more-over-christmas-according-to-alcohol-harm-charity-drinkaware/.
2. —. “Drinkaware.” co.uk, 2021, www.drinkaware.co.uk/news/half-of-workers-suspect-their-colleague-is-hungover-new-data-from-drinkaware-reveals/. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
3. Institute of Alcohol Studies. “Hangovers Cost the UK up to £1.4bn a Year.” IAS, 24 June 2019, ias.org.uk/news/hangovers-cost-the-uk-up-to-1-4bn-a-year/