206. The Dirty Little Secret in Our Industry

In today's episode, I'm chatting with Mike Miller about one of the deepest, darkest secrets in the blue collar workforce that nobody wants to talk about. It's a topic that needs to be discussed and the young up and comers need to be made aware of it. This is a topic that I've wanted to cover for a long time but needed to find someone with first hand experience. Not too many people are willing to discuss their past out of fear they'll be shamed, or lose their current job, or that people will treat them different if they find out. I'm really appreciative that Mike reached out and asked me if he could share his stories to not only help those currently battling alcoholism, but also to help others from falling into the same cycle. The construction trades are tough, they're physically and mentally demanding and oftentimes can be overwhelming due to the high stress level caused by tight budgets and time restraints. Many people don't know how to cope with the stress and they turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism to escape from their reality. And the biggest problem is, we glorify drugs and alcohol… we make jokes about it… but in reality, there's nothing funny about drug and alcohol addiction. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-alcohol or against having a few drinks once in a while, but it's something that needs to be done in moderation. Mike and I cover a lot of great topics during the episode, and provide some insight to help those who may be struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. I hope this episode helps those that need it, and brings awareness to the topic. You can reach out to a live rep 24/7 by going to alcohol.org or by calling 1-800-685-5770 for alcohol addiction. If you need assistance with drug addiction, you can go to drughelpline.org or call 1-844-289-0879 If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide you can go to preventconstructionsuicide.com or call 1-800-662-4357 Find local AA meetings in your area with this handy app: https://www.aa.org/meeting-guide-app Arc Junkies Website: https://arc-junkies.podsite.io Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Arc Junkies Website: arc-junkies.podsite.io Friends of the Show: Lincoln Electric Instagram: @lincolnelectric Online Store: store.lincolnelectric.com Save 20% on all Gear and Accessories use ARCJUNKIES20 in the discount box at checkout Save 10% on Welding Machines and Fume Extractors use ARCJUNKIES10 in the discount box at checkout      Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders  YouTube: Everlast Welders         Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch.  Rockmount Research and Alloys, Inc. Rockmountwelding.com Instagram: @Rockmountwelding   Strong Hand Tools Stronghandtool.com/arcjunkies Instagram @Strong_hand_tools   AHP Welders Ahpwelders.com https://ahpwelds.com/arcjunkies   ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://bit.ly/36s7aFj  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase   SUM DUM Welders: Instagram: @sumdumwelderapparel  Online: www.sumdumwelder.com  Use ARCJUNKIES at checkout and save 15% off your entire order.   Outlaw Leather Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Online: www.outlawleatherusa.com  Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout and save 15% on your entire order.   Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast TIKTOK: @Arcjunkiespod Email: [email protected]