Why Do So Many Programmers Use Drugs?

If you've never been an addict, you may be surprised to know many programmers (and other people in tech job roles) struggle with drug use. Nobody working in tech is a stranger to stress and pressure! But sometimes the ways we cope are unhealthy. If you're currently using, I've been honest and transparent with you - I've been there. I was a marijuana addict for 25 years, and often used it with the rationale that it helped me manage the stress of my job. However, I learned the hard way that using drugs to cope with work creates more problems than it solves. In this episode, I'd like to help you understand WHY drug use is so prevalent in the tech industry. I'll also share the consequences to your career that arise from ongoing use of drugs. And finally, I'll offer some healthier ways to cope with the inherent problems that programming and tech related jobs introduce - rather than turning to drugs as a coping mechanism. I hope this helps you have some compassion for your coworkers who may be trapped in addiction, do what you can to improve the conditions we all work in, and if you're currently struggling - get help so you can flourish in your career! Get free access to TechRolepedia here: https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Download my free Career Guide here: https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching: https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ CHAPTER MARKERS 0:00 Introduction 1:12 Three Stories of Drug Use in Tech 5:32 1. Why Do Programmers Use Drugs? 5:36 1.1 Attempt To Inspire Creativity 7:27 1.2 High Stress and Pressure 11:09 1.3 Isolation and Lack of Social Support 13:36 1.4 Normalizing Culture 14:57 1.5 Burnout and Mental Disorders 17:01 2. How Drugs Make Work Harder 17:08 2.1 Impaired Cognitive Function 19:23 2.2 Damage Mental and Physical Health 21:50 2.3 Legal and Ethical Consequences 24:21 3.1 Supportive Community 26:53 3.2 Adopt Prayer or Mindfulness 30:23 3.3 Better Nutrition and Exercise 34:11 Episode Groove #programming #addiction #techculture