S2 Episode 015 - MICKEY BAKST - From Isolation in Addiction to Kinship in Sobriety

We Recover Loudly

In this week's episode we speak to the absolute legend Mickey Bakst, co founder of the national organisation Ben's Friends in the US. After losing a friend to addiction, Ben's Friends was born with a simple mission: to help struggling industry professionals break free from addiction. With almost 60 years of combined sobriety, Mickey and his partner Steve Palmer have proven that you can thrive in this industry while staying sober. Established in 2016, Ben’s Friends provides hope, fellowship, and support to those in the hospitality industry dealing with substance abuse. The organisation demonstrates that recovery is possible, and individuals can thrive in the industry without relying on alcohol or drugs through community, communication, and compassion.
We discussed SO MUCH, including -
- Why the industry is not to blame for peoples addiction ... But why it is also not blameless.
- Why we need to stop throwing our people away, and how we can help them collaborative as mental health organisations.
- How addiction is an industry wide issue, and not just reserved for chefs and BOH team members.
- How to change the culture around drinking when the managers are the ones that need to change the most.
- The recent change of narrative from 'let's get rid of the problem worker' to 'what can we do to support' and how important that change is for the future of the industry.
- Sober contracts; what do they mean for the industry?
Micky's honesty and willingness to generously share his story has saved so many lives. He speaks with love, passion and poetry of his time working FOH and his mission to protect both its people, and its magic is why he is an ICON. As Mickey himself says "Sobriety is a ball, we can do it in the industry and its even better if we do it together."
Ben's Friends have daily online meetings, as well as in person meetings across the US and Canada. Check out their website for meeting links and follow on social media for more information.
https://www.bensfriendshope.com/ @bensfriendshope

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