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Restaurant Staff Find Hope in Sobriety Support Group
7 Jul
Summary
- A metro Atlanta man leads meetings for food industry workers struggling with addiction.
- Ben's Friends offers free peer support to those in the food and beverage industry.
- The industry's environment can make alcohol and drug use common.
In metro Atlanta, Jonah Jacobson, a sous chef with 11 years of culinary experience, is leading weekly meetings to support fellow food and beverage industry workers struggling with addiction and alcoholism. He is involved with Ben's Friends, a national organization that offers peer support.
Mickey Bakst, a co-founder of Ben's Friends with 43 years of sobriety, highlights how the demanding environment of the food and beverage industry often normalizes alcohol and drug use, leading to addiction. Adam Mauk from Edge Treatment Center notes that while initial treatment is crucial, the industry's demanding schedule can make it difficult for workers to take time off.
Jacobson, now sober for five years, found recovery provided a renewed perspective and a sense of belonging. Ben's Friends operates over 40 chapters nationwide, providing free assistance. Meetings are held on Mondays at 11 a.m. at Pricci on Pharr Road, welcoming anyone in the industry seeking help.
