Archive for January 12, 2012

Substance abuse issues are typically associated with low income, homeless or other oppressive lifestyles. However, this is medically recognized as a myth and a problem with legal or illegal drugs is common among all demographics and lifestyles. There are certain industries that lend greater to developing a problem, and this is true for high stress level careers as well as those that make access to the drug readily available, such as the medical industry itself. And one of the main points in combating the problem, which continues to increase in size, is recognizing that all people are susceptible to developing a problem and it is not a character flaw or something to be ashamed of. And as the increase in prescription medicine continues to grow, as well as the amount of drugs that are available for various issues, the more the problem with substance abuse becomes a household issue.

The restaurant industry has long been recognized for its partying lifestyle, and it is true that many servers and bartenders tend to drink with co-workers, or others, or alone, after their shift. This is one of the main ways of letting go of the day, releasing stress and bonding with other staff that exists in the field. However, not all people who work in restaurants develops a problem or addiction, and the industry carries no greater statistics for prescription medicine abuse than most others. Restaurant staff is most likely to succumb to an attraction to alcohol, and after serving it to patrons all night, it can seem like a well earned reward for a hard day’s work. And while there is nothing wrong with having a drink after work, having multiple glasses of wine, beers, or hard alcohol drinks on a daily basis can signal a problem. And if you’re wondering if you or a friend, or loved one, is showing signs of addiction, there are great resources available for you and/or them. Substance abuse treatment programs exist in all major cities and urban areas, and most of them will have guidelines and questions you can ask yourself and others to help determine if there is a problem. Also, major areas and counties have their own programs, such as the drug rehab orange county in Southern California.

In addition to certain industries having an enticing capacity for abuse and addiction potential, usually these same industries will attract people with a propensity for, already in the depths of addiction. As was indicated earlier, the restaurant industry is known for its lifestyle, and it can be difficult to resist the temptation to hang out with co-workers after a stressful night on the job and push back a few. This is also one of the largest industries whose professionals have convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Of course this is not intended to single out the restaurant industry as deviant or addiction prone, and many others have high occurrences of these types of problems. However, most restaurants serve alcohol and wait staff, as well as bartenders, are constantly serving alcohol to others, which keeps it constantly on their minds. And, surprisingly to some people, working in a restaurant is an extremely stressful career choice. If you think you have a problem, contact your local drug rehab center, and if you haven’t reached this point, regardless of your background or career choice, pay attention to your own habits and addiction potential.