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!

Download my free Career Guide here:
https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/

Get free access to TechRolepedia here:
https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/

Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:
https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Chapter markers / timelinks:

(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

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Why Do So Many Programmers Use Drugs?

Thriving Technologist