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.
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How Drug Use Can Derail Your Tech Career: My Story and How to Overcome It
Working in tech can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges that can push some of us toward unhealthy coping mechanisms, including drug use. You’ve probably heard the phrase “work hard, play hard” thrown around at tech companies—it’s become almost a cliché at this point. But behind this mentality lies a serious issue that many in the industry struggle with: addiction.
I’ve been in the tech industry for 27 years, and for 22 of those years – I was an addict. I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to fall into the trap of drug use as a programmer, and I’ve seen how devastating it can be to your career, your health, and your relationships. In this episode, I’m going to share my story, break down why drug use is so prevalent in tech, and offer practical ways to overcome it.
Why Do So Many Programmers Turn to Drugs?
It’s not just the “work hard, play hard” mentality that pushes tech workers toward drug use. There are deeper reasons that contribute to this growing problem.
1. Seeking Creativity in Problem-Solving
Programming is a highly creative field. You’re constantly solving complex problems and developing innovative solutions, which can sometimes lead to mental blocks. Drugs like marijuana, LSD, and even high doses of caffeine can offer a temporary boost in creativity, helping you break through those blocks—at least in the short term.
Back in high school, I was in a band, and a lot of the musicians I knew used drugs to fuel their creativity. When I started my career in tech, I noticed a similar creative environment. Programming felt a lot like writing music—patterns, freedom, and innovation. But just like in music, there’s a temptation to turn to drugs to stimulate that creative process. The problem is, this short-term solution has long-term consequences, and eventually, you’ll hit a wall where your creativity and productivity start to decline.
2. High Stress and Pressure to Perform
Deadlines, unrealistic expectations, and constant pressure to perform are everyday realities in the tech industry. The stress can be overwhelming, and for many, drugs become an escape. Whether it’s smoking weed to unwind after a tough day or using something stronger like cocaine to stay alert and focused, the temptation is there.
I remember working on projects where the pressure was so intense that I felt like I needed something to take the edge off. Drugs offered a quick fix for the stress, but they also masked deeper issues that I wasn’t dealing with—issues like burnout, anxiety, and the need to set better boundaries between work and life.
3. Isolation and Lack of Social Support
In tech, especially post-COVID, many of us work remotely, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Even if you’re in an office, programming is often a solitary activity, and it’s easy to feel disconnected from your coworkers.
When I was deep into my addiction, I found myself relying on my wife and kids for all of my emotional and social needs. But they couldn’t fill that void. I needed friendships and support from other people who understood the pressures I was going through. Without that support, I turned to drugs as a way to cope with the loneliness.
4. The Culture of Normalizing Drug Use
Drug use has been glamorized for decades, especially in creative fields like music, art, and even tech. Movies, TV shows, and even corporate culture can send the message that drug use is just part of the lifestyle.
I’ve been to plenty of corporate parties where drugs were available, and it was considered normal to partake. This “work hard, play hard” culture sends the wrong message: that it’s okay to push yourself to the brink during the week, as long as you blow off steam with drugs or alcohol on the weekends. The problem is that the stress doesn’t go away—it just keeps building up until you reach a breaking point.
5. Burnout and Mental Health Issues
Burnout is rampant in the tech industry, and drug use often feels like a way to keep going when you’re running on empty. But in reality, it only exacerbates the problem. I’ve talked about my own struggles with burnout and mental health in many episodes of the Thriving Technologist show, and I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of using drugs as a coping mechanism.
For me, marijuana became a way to deal with insomnia, anxiety, and the overwhelming pressure I felt at work. But in the end, it made those issues worse, not better. Instead of dealing with the root causes of my burnout, I was masking the symptoms with weed.
How Drug Use Impacts Your Tech Career
The short-term relief that drugs provide comes with long-term consequences that can derail your career.
1. Cognitive Impairment
Drugs impair your ability to think clearly, problem-solve, and be productive. You might feel more creative or focused in the moment, but over time, drugs can dull your cognitive abilities and make it harder to perform at your best.
For years, I felt like weed was helping me be more creative, but eventually, I realized it was actually making it harder for me to think clearly and communicate effectively. It wasn’t until I quit that I started to regain the clarity I needed to do my job well.
2. Decline in Mental and Physical Health
Drugs can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Marijuana, for example, has been linked to increased anxiety and depression, while harder drugs like cocaine and meth can lead to severe mental health issues, including paranoia and psychosis.
Physically, drug use can lead to sleep problems, weight gain, and other health issues that make it harder to stay productive and focused at work. When I was deep into my addiction, my insomnia got so bad that I was barely functioning. It wasn’t until I quit that I was able to start sleeping again and feeling like myself.
3. Legal and Ethical Consequences
Depending on where you live, drug use could have legal consequences that affect your career. Even in states where marijuana is legal, employers may still have policies against drug use, and getting caught could cost you your job.
There are also ethical considerations. If your coworkers or managers find out that you’re using drugs, it could damage your reputation and make it harder for people to trust you. In the tech industry, where trust and collaboration are key, this can have a huge impact on your career.
Healthy Alternatives to Drug Use in Tech
If you’re struggling with addiction or feeling tempted to use drugs to cope with the pressures of your tech job, there are healthier alternatives that can help.
1. Build a Supportive Community
One of the best things you can do is surround yourself with people who understand what you’re going through and can offer support. Whether it’s joining a recovery group, connecting with coworkers who share your values, or finding a church or community group, having people in your life who can help you stay accountable is key.
For me, finding support through my church was a game-changer. It gave me a safe space to talk about my struggles and get the help I needed to stay clean.
2. Practice Mindfulness and Prayer
Mindfulness, meditation, and prayer can help you manage stress and anxiety in a healthy way. I’ve found that prayer helps me stay grounded and reminds me that I’m not in control of everything. Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing can also help you stay calm and focused, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
3. Focus on Physical Health
Regular exercise and good nutrition are powerful tools for managing stress and staying healthy. Exercise can boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and help you sleep better, while eating a balanced diet can give you the energy you need to perform at your best.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with drug addiction, know that you’re not alone—and there is hope. You don’t have to let drugs ruin your career, your relationships, or your health. By finding a supportive community, practicing mindfulness, and taking care of your physical health, you can overcome addiction and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
About the THRIVING TECHNOLOGIST show
On YouTube and all major podcast networks, Jayme shares teamwork and leadership strategies, guidelines for healthy company culture, and stories about real projects so you can have a sustainable career in the software industry.
Jayme Edwards
A family man and veteran of nearly 40 software projects, Jayme experienced many wins and losses over his career as an architect and consultant.
Now he's coaching software developers, managers, and business owners to overcome challenges in the IT industry - so they keep growing.