Jacob “Jake” Bickelhaupt has an established reputation as an award-winning Chicago chef. Jacob Bickelhaupt is also a recovering addict working in an industry where food is almost always paired with wine and other alcoholic beverages. He is one of growing number of chefs who are a part of the sober chef movement.

Restaurant working conditions and subculture can be a catalyst for addictive behaviors. Odd working hours, easy access to large amounts of cash, and an extremely social environment combined with after-hours hedonism can facilitate substance abuse. For some chefs, substance abuse problems result from the stresses of working in a fast-paced environment characterized by long hours.

However, all over the country many chefs support a movement that exchanges the hedonism of previous eras with working conditions that support sobriety. Many chefs commit to change because addiction impedes clear thinking. Additionally, in recent times, many chefs are required to travel more and attend conferences and workshops, and there is simply no time for drugs or alcohol. Finally, substance abuse problems can impair a chef’s senses and have a negative effect on the quality of the food he or she produces.

For many chefs working to overcome their substance abuse problems, participating in this movement means attending support groups, openly talking about their own stories, and instituting changes in the workplace.