397. You've Never Seen Me Sober – High-Functioning Alcohol in the Welding Industry w/ Justin Merrill

"You've never seen me sober." For years, Justin built a respected name in the welding industry — sharp, disciplined, professional. But behind the scenes, there was something no one saw. In this raw and honest conversation, we talk about high-functioning alcohol use in the trades, what it looks like when success masks a problem, and the moment Justin realized he hadn't been truly clear-headed in nearly a decade. We cover: What high-functioning drinking really looks like The culture of alcohol in welding and blue-collar industries Productivity after quitting drinking Identity, reputation, and vulnerability Financial literacy and long-term career planning in the trades Why not hitting "rock bottom" can be the most dangerous place to live If you work in welding, fabrication, construction, or any skilled trade, this conversation may hit closer than you expect. This isn't about judgment. It's about ownership. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, help is available: Alcoholics Anonymous – aa.org SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-4357 (24/7 confidential support) This is Blue Collar Talk — the real version. 🔥 Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community. Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent. 🎙️ Arc Junkies Podcast Website: https://arcjunkies.com Instagram: @ArcJunkiesPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn (Jason Becker): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72 🧢 Arc Junkies Merch:https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home 🏭 Underground Metal Works Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals Website: https://www.underground-metalworks.com 🤝 Friends of the Show & Sponsors 🧰 BattlBox Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly Website: https://alnk.to/90Chh6D Instagram: @BattlBox Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Save up to 30% off your first BattlBox 🏛️ American Welding Society — Conferences Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership AWS Inspection Expo & Conference Event Info: https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/ Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Free gift at the event 🧤 Outlaw Leather LLC Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last Website: https://outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: 15% off all in-stock leather goods ⚡ Everlast Welders High-performance welding machines without the high price tag Website: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast Welders Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Free Nova Foot Pedal + TIG Torch with qualifying machine purchases 🎧 ISOtunes Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication Website: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10 Instagram: @isotunesaudio Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES10 Offer: Save $10 on your purchase