National sobriety support group for restaurant workers launches in Birmingham

The restaurant industry is known for its long hours, late nights and fast pace. Add in easy access to alcohol, and it’s no surprise that many food and beverage workers struggle with addiction. That’s how Ben’s Friends, a national nonprofit sobriety support group, began.

Founded in Charleston by longtime hospitality veterans Mickey Bakst and Steve Palmer, Ben’s Friends has recently partnered with local sobriety group PreShift to launch a chapter in Birmingham. Read on for details, including where to attend in-person meetings.

The story behind Ben’s Friends

Ben’s Friends was born out of tragedy. Steve and Mickey, both now sober themselves, started the group after the death of their friend and colleague Ben Murray, a young chef who lost his life to addiction.

“We just got tired of watching kids destroy their lives—or die. When Ben died, we said, ‘Enough is enough.’ We announced to our community in Charleston that we would meeting every Sunday at a particular time and place, and all of a sudden, 20 people showed up for the very first meeting. So, we started meeting every week, and word started spreading.”

Mickey Bakst, Co-Founder, Ben’s Friends

Now, there are meetings all across the country and even internationally. But why are restaurants such a hard environment for people struggling with addiction?

According to Mickey, the hospitality industry doesn’t cause addiction, but it can intensify it.

“It’s stressful, the hours are long and you’re constantly surrounded by alcohol. You get off work late at night with nowhere to go, so blowing off steam with drinking or drugs becomes the norm. That environment makes it so much easier for people with addictive tendencies to spiral.”

Mickey Bakst, Co-Founder, Ben’s Friends

What to expect at a meeting

Wondering what to expect at your first PreShift with Ben’s Friends meeting?

Sessions are open, welcoming and industry-specific. A typical gathering includes a leader, a topic for discussion and plenty of honest conversation. Subjects might range from practical questions—like how to pour a drink while sober—to personal challenges, like dating for the first time in sobriety.

“We stress community. And I have found that there are people all over this country that, like me, couldn’t relate to some of the things they found in other programs, but they could relate to the idea of being part of something greater than themselves.

I always, always, always believe that what got me sober in AA was really the people that helped me along the way, and that’s what I bring to Ben’s Friends: the understanding that on my own, I couldn’t make it, but if I created a team of like-minded people, I could get there.”

Mickey Bakst, Co-Founder, Ben’s Friends

How to find PreShift with Ben’s Friends in Birmingham

Want to get involved, or know someone who might? Here’s what PreShift founders have to say:

“It’s totally judgment-free. You don’t even have to be in the service industry to attend. There are so many things that we are already dealing with as people who have substance issues, so we don’t want anyone to come in and feel anxious or nervous or worry that they’re going to say the wrong thing. There isn’t a wrong thing. We just want everybody to be open and we want to establish a safe place for all.”

Katelyn Whitmore

“We are here for those in recovery, those thinking about recovery, and those who are just curious about what a sober life looks like. We are so stoked to be working with Ben’s Friends and Addiction Prevention Coalition, helping the folks of our industry navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of hospitality.”

Jess Parsons

Here’s how to attend meetings in Birmingham:

• Remote: Daily Zoom meetings are available at noon and 10PM, making it easy for hospitality workers to join no matter their schedule.
• In-person:
  • Where: Saturn, 200 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • When: Mondays at 1PM
  • Visit @preshiftbham on Instagram for more

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