Substance Use in the Hospitality Industry
The acts of service provided by the hospitality industry tap into an ancient form of human connection: nourishing each other. Whether whisking behind a hot grill or scribbling down brunch orders at lightning speed, each service team member plays an integral part in the relay race of food service. While we are in awe of the efficiency at our local hotspots, we also recognize that behind the shiny surface of the restaurant industry lies high rates of substance use and mental health disorders. Recognizing the struggles that workers commonly reckon with is a key step to ending the stigma and supporting our beloved baristas and brewers.
The hospitality industry employs a staggering 14 million people, representing 10% of the United States workforce. In a study looking at substance abuse within various industries, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found the restaurant industry to be the most at risk for illicit drug use and substance use disorders, and the third most at risk for heavy alcohol use. Addiction rates in the restaurant industry include:
11.8% of food service workers reported binge drinking during the last month
19.1% of food service workers report using illicit drugs during the last month
17% of food service workers have been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder
These rates come as no surprise when we consider the typical restaurant work environment. A writer in The New York Times describes the experience of waiting tables as “physical exhaustion and emotional stress.” This, says the writer, is what drives employees in the hospitality industry to drink. Managers would routinely clock in for work reeking of alcohol; bartenders “taste-tested” cocktails so much that they were inebriated for their entire shifts. In any given restaurant, it is common knowledge that servers, cooks, and managers were using drugs or alcohol to make it to the end of their shift without collapsing. In most jobs, drinking at the office (or coming to work drunk) would be an instantly fireable offense; however, in the restaurant business, it is often par for the course–almost a badge of pride.
Sober-curious employees also face logistical roadblocks to finding mental health care. Only 14% of workers receive any form of benefits from their employer. A recent study incorporating interviews with restaurant employees found that substance abuse prevention measures were either non-existent or never seen enforced at their places of employment. Furthermore, worker’s hourly wage averages around $15; leaving little room for spending money on therapy.
When access to mental health care seems impossible, Khesed offers a boon of hope. We recognize that restaurant workers are essential, and deserve to be treated with respect and care. That’s why we offer free mental health therapy sessions to workers in the restaurant industry. The following Khesed resources may be helpful to those in need:
Denver Hospitality Recovery Pro Bono Program - 12 free sessions for hospitality workers navigating substance use or addiction
Colorado Restaurant Foundation Pro Bono Program - 16 free sessions for workers in the restaurant industry
Hospitality Pro Bono Program - 4 free sessions for hospitality workers
Working with a therapist can play a critical role in recovering from addiction, as it can help individuals understand underlying causes, develop coping strategies, and maintain positive changes. Though the industry has a long way to go collectively, it is possible to make individual changes and be an example to those who need encouragement.
If you are in Colorado and struggling with managing stress from restaurant work, we invite you to begin your therapeutic journey with Khesed. We understand, we appreciate you, and we’re here to help.