‘It’s a crutch’: A qualitative exploration of UK police employees’ experiences of at-risk alcohol consumption or abstinence

Abstract One-third of UK police employees drink to at-risk levels, with both drinking and abstinence being associated poor mental health. This research aimed qualitatively explore employees’ experiences alcohol use or abstinence, their motivations for drinking/abstaining, the organizational culture drinking. Semi-structured telephone interviews 16 serving (12 drinkers, four abstainers) were conducted analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes identified. Participants described ‘organizational changes over time’, outlining a cultural shift. Motivations reflected across two themes, ‘alcohol as coping mechanism’ socializing’, an additional theme representing ‘motivations abstinence/cutting down’. The final highlighted ‘contrasting perceptions available support’. Though is no longer prominent, socially cope, normalized. implications recommendations practice are outlined.