More Men Are Having Strokes In The Restaurant Industry

By Pixelshot

In the past few months, I’ve unfortunately known of three previous coworkers who are men of all ages working in the restaurant industry having a stroke, and the passing of one who died of a heart attack before his morning shift.

It’s becoming increasingly common that it’s something I can’t look past and not discuss.

As much as I love the restaurant industry, the dark side of it outweighs the casual fun, because over the years, it can become a lifestyle that is detrimental to one's health and potentially lead to an early grave if you can’t take control and balance your lifestyle.

It’s one of the reasons I began to narrow in and finally find my own path with the content on this website, hoping I can reach those who need the guidance within this industry, because I also understand and have experienced how easily it can become caught up in the social circles, the drinking, and the drugs.

The truth is, though, we all need to take more responsibility when it comes to our substance because too many are becoming sick, dying, and most are struggling in a cycle and a narrative that keeps them stuck.

The Narrative

It’s frustrating to me, especially after having my own struggles with addiction over the years, the encouragement of others promoting alcohol and pushing substances.

Specifically, this can take many forms, from coworkers, employers, and promoters, who use the narrative that drinking is cool, and why aren't you indulging?

Or when someone is admitting they have an alcohol problem, and they are trying to cut down, but others continue to encourage their drinking.

“Why would you stop drinking? That’s not fun!”

This is a narrative that must change, and part of being a responsible adult, especially with alcohol and drugs, is not to encourage others who are struggling, but to support those who want to stop.

Drink Responsibly

If you are someone who isn’t aware of how drinking can affect others, and you continue to push substances, then shame on you!

I’ve watched you, pouring the wine into the glass and encouraging people to drink faster. How about you allow individuals to drink at their own pace?

When someone mentions that they are cutting down on alcohol, how about you encourage them in their sobriety instead of encouraging them to go out with you?

I’m calling you out because it’s your responsibility as an adult not to push or encourage an addictive substance, such as alcohol, onto others; that is the part of drinking with responsibility.

“Drinking responsibly isn’t just about knowing your own limits — it’s about respecting the limits and boundaries of others.”

It’s time we start recognizing that alcohol isn’t harmless and that it has no true benefits but can actually lead to the destruction of lives, relationships, and health.

When you pressure someone to drink, you’re not being social or fun; you’re contributing to a cycle that can lead to real harm, and that is on you!

Stroke crisis

I personally know too many wonderful men in the industry who fall into a routine of late-night drinking after their shifts — staying up until 2 or 3 a.m., cooking dinner, and sleeping well into the afternoon.

It’s essential in this industry to have a proper wind-down and sleep routine.

The restaurant industry is fast-paced, high-pressure, and physically demanding, with constant multitasking, which can lead to elevated cortisol and blood pressure levels, contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, research has demonstrated that long-term heavy drinking weakens the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy, as well as raising blood pressure, damaging blood vessels and arteries.

My recommendation in the future is to begin educating yourself on the effects of heavy drinking, so that you can become a supporting force and encourage others in their sobriety instead of their substance use.

Everyone is responsible for their own choices, but it starts with changing the narrative. The restaurant industry is long overdue for a cultural shift — one that replaces pressure with support, and burnout with balance.

It’s time to stand up, speak out, and build a system that protects the people who give so much of themselves to serve others, because losing more good men and possibly people in general to preventable strokes and heart attacks should never be the cost of doing business.

If you need help regarding your substance use, please seek the resources below.

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