The Sober Life
Today I am celebrating five years of sobriety. This was a safe and healthy choice for me, and I’m glad I made it.
Today I am celebrating five years of sobriety. This was a safe and healthy choice for me, and I’m glad I made it.
For many people, drinking is not a choice. Addiction is not a choice. People don’t allow themselves to get addicted from drinking any more than they allow themselves to get COVID by riding a bus. Some get addicted while others do not, some stay healthy while others fall ill.
Of course our choices play a role, but the stigma around addiction and mental health is an outworn anachronism that was made obsolete by our modern understanding of the human brain. Let’s all work together towards ideas about health and happiness that are both compassionate and scientific.
Sobriety has changed my views on the role of alcohol in our workplace and in our culture. Here are a few things I’d like to ask everybody to keep in mind about drinking:
58% of the world’s adult population has not had a drink in the last 12 months. Globally, 54% of males consume alcohol, but only 32% of women do. Let’s remember that when we try to locate where non-drinkers fit in our society.
Women are much more likely to have experienced harm from alcohol use by a spouse, partner, or ex-partner (4.2% vs. 1.8%), or from a family member (5.6% vs. 3.7%.)
Both of the above are good reasons not to ask people why they don’t drink, and there are many more. When people ask me why I don’t drink I say: “Many of my favorite celebrities, like Jada Pinkett Smith, Elton John, Natalie Portman, and Anne Heche, do not drink. And I want to be just like them!” That usually shuts them up.
When considering the role of alcohol at work or work-related events, consider if you have employees who might be actively battling addiction, in recovery, lifetime abstainers, victims of alcohol- or drug-related abuse, or someone who is close to one of those people. Hint: All of these people work at your company right now, but most are not identifying themselves.
Personally, I don’t have any problem with a work event (like a dinner or a party) at which alcohol may be served. But if you have an event at which drinking seems to be the focus (e.g. the title of the event references beer, wine, or drinking) or heavy drinking can be expected, I’m probably not going to go.
Further on the subject of alcohol at work: I personally do not object to alcohol being present on the premises at work. I assume it will be enjoyed responsibly.
But I have also never been a victim of workplace violence, harassment, bullying, or a workplace accident where alcohol was a factor. If I had, my perspective might be different.
As a leader, I have a duty of care for the people I lead. I’d like to keep them happy, relaxed, and entertained to the extent that I can. But keeping them safe is a higher priority, so that’s where I’m going to focus.