If anyone here has ever worked in the service industry, you’ll know that substance abuse is all over the place.
I started cooking when I was 15–16. I instantly fell in love with it. I felt like I fit in with all the weirdos and crazy people that were brought with it. The parties after work were great and I met all kinds of people. It really helped a loner quiet kid like me feel like I had a group of friends and a second family.
Well after years of working my way up into the actual big leagues of fine dining and becoming a head chef, I started to see the ugly side of it. All of my friends including myself were full blown drug addicts or alcoholics. There was no more going out for fun, it was just for one purpose, getting drunk as fast as possible then going home and blacking out.
I was in the hospital not sure if I was going to live through the night due to an overdose of alcohol and cocaine. I was either going to sue of poisoning or have a heart attack.
I ended up making it and was scared to get back into cooking. I tried so many other jobs but I just couldn’t find the right fit. Eventually I fell back into cooking, helping a buddy of mine start up a small 10 table restaurant in the cities.
He was also sober. Wow, did it change my life.
I finally got back into LOVING making food and cooking. I felt like I was 16 again. My passion was back and I was firing on all cylinders.
3 years later, I’m running my own place again. I’m happier with myself than I ever have been in decades and I’m enjoying ever but of it.
It also in a weird way keeps me focused and not thinking about drugs or booze. The rush and creative outlet helps so much. I truly believe it’s saving my life.
For the first time in a long time, I’m thankful for cooking.
