Drug use in banking?
I was wondering what people's experiences with drug use in banking is. Obviously in the media and in the public eye, the common use of stimulants is something people tend to poke fun at, but with most the banker deaths being linked to drug misuse (on top of the intense stress and long hours), I was wondering if this is more of a reality than I thought.
To give context I am a college student who is going into growth. I had a banking offer but decided to take another path and while the problem of drug use in banking was not the nail in the coffin for my decision, it was something I thought through.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, drug use in banking is a topic that has been discussed, though not always in explicit detail. While there isn't a direct mention of widespread drug use in the context provided, there are references to coping mechanisms that some individuals in high-stress finance roles resort to. For example:
Stimulants and Focus Aids: Some individuals have mentioned using substances like smelling salts or even modafinil to stay alert during long hours or marathon study sessions. These are often seen as less harmful alternatives to more extreme substances.
Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism: Alcohol use is frequently highlighted as a common way bankers deal with stress. Some individuals have admitted to borderline alcoholism, consuming 4-5 drinks daily to "blow off steam."
Prescription Medications: There are mentions of using strong sleeping pills prescribed by doctors to combat the inability to sleep after stressful, long workdays.
While the context doesn't explicitly confirm rampant drug misuse, it does suggest that the intense stress, long hours, and high-pressure environment of banking can lead individuals to seek various coping mechanisms, some of which may include substance use. However, it's important to note that these experiences vary widely, and not everyone in banking resorts to such measures.
Sources: How much damage has banking done to your life?, Is everyone's experience this brutal?, How much damage has banking done to your life?, When would you quit?,
Gooning is the new drug
Would rather my analyst use actual drugs
There’s two keys to success in the broker business. First off you gotta stay relaxed. You jerk off?
You know no one's forcing you to do drugs right? You can just not do them. And you're absolutely getting fired if anyone catches you doing drugs at anything related to work at any decent sized bank.
Anyway
I know a lot of people in finance. Most do some sort of drugs. Not really while at work or even related to work though. More for partying.
In fact most people I know in general do hard drugs so maybe it's just a me thing.
A lot of people are obviously addicted to nicotine too. So if you count that then I guess some are doing drugs at work (via zyns, vapes etc)
What about Coca-Cola or sprite sodas? Does that count? Because I’ll out dose anyone, even the MD’s fat good for nothing daughter
I'm reading this stuff with the drug deaths and I'm wondering if it's something coming out of Gen Z??
Nearly 40 at this point and I've seen zero drug use in the industry other than people who might smoke pot on the side.
Coke zero buddy.
Nice try diddy
I have never seen anyone or heard of anyone taking drugs in my circle in banking. People are just fairly normal, lol.
Everyone in banking that goes out frequently is ripping lines
Cool.
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