Alcohol has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. While it can be enjoyed in moderation, excessive drinking can lead to a variety of health and social problems. Despite this, some jobs are known for attracting heavy drinkers.

Here we’ll explore some of the careers that are notorious for heavy drinking.

Bartenders

Perhaps the most stereotypical role for a heavy drinker is that of the bartender. Bartenders work long shifts, often late into the night, and are surrounded by alcohol.

While most professional bartenders are trained to moderate their own consumption, it’s not uncommon for them to indulge in a few drinks on the job.

Wine Tasting Experts

Wine tasting experts are connoisseurs of wine and need to have an excellent palate. As part of their job, they sample a variety of wines at different times of the day.

This constant consumption can result in a high tolerance for alcohol and can lead to excessive drinking. While it’s not a universal problem, it is one that has been known to occur.

Restaurant and Hospitality Staff

Those who work in the restaurant and hospitality industry are often around alcohol during their entire shift. Whether it’s waiting tables, serving drinks, or preparing food, alcohol is a constant presence.

Like bartenders, many hospitality staff members are able to moderate their intake, but heavy drinking does sometimes occur.

Entertainers and Performers

Those in the entertainment industry, such as musicians or comedians, often have a reputation for heavy drinking. Whether it’s the party lifestyle or the stress of performing, alcohol can become a coping mechanism for some entertainers.

While not all performers have this issue, it is certainly prevalent in the industry and has been well documented.

Journalists

Journalists have a high-stress job where they are often under tight deadlines. As a result, many reporters turn to alcohol to cope with the pressure.

Additionally, many journalists attend events where alcohol is consumed, further increasing the likelihood of heavy drinking.

Construction and Manual Labor

Those in the construction and manual labor industries are often surrounded by those who enjoy a good drink after a hard day’s work.

This drinking culture can lead to heavy drinking, and the work itself can be physically demanding, which can exacerbate the effects of alcohol.

Lawyers

Lawyers tend to be high-stress professionals who work long hours. As with journalists, alcohol can become a crutch for coping with the pressures of the job.

Lawyers are also often required to attend social events where alcohol is consumed, further increasing the likelihood of heavy drinking.

Finance Professionals

Finance professionals often work in highly competitive environments, where stress is high and success is measured in numbers. This kind of pressure can lead to heavy drinking as a way to cope with the job.

Additionally, finance professionals often attend social events where alcohol is consumed, further contributing to the problem.

Salespeople

Salespeople are often on the road, attending social events, and interacting with clients over meals and drinks. This constant exposure to alcohol can lead to heavy drinking, as can the high-stress nature of sales jobs.

While not all salespeople have drinking problems, it is a common issue in the industry.

Politicians

Politicians are often under immense pressure, with high levels of scrutiny and competing priorities. Additionally, socializing and networking are an essential part of the job.

This can lead to heavy drinking as a way to cope with stress and to cement important relationships. While not all politicians struggle with alcohol, it is certainly a problem that is well known in the industry.

Conclusion

While alcohol can be a part of many different career paths, there are certainly some industries where heavy drinking is more prevalent.

Those who work in hospitality, entertainment, law, finance, and politics are all at particular risk of developing alcohol problems. However, it’s important to note that not everyone in these industries has a drinking issue, and help is always available for those who do.