Workplaces Still Encourage Social Drinking, Posing Challenges for Those in Recovery

Experts advise setting boundaries and normalizing non-alcoholic options to navigate sobriety in boozy corporate cultures

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

While the three-martini lunch may be a relic of the past, many workplaces still maintain a culture of social drinking through happy hours, corporate parties, and client meetings at bars. This can pose challenges for professionals in recovery from alcohol addiction, who fear being judged or missing out on career opportunities if they abstain. Treatment professionals and individuals in recovery offer advice on having uncomfortable conversations with colleagues, setting boundaries, and promoting more recovery-friendly workplaces.

Why it matters

Workplaces that encourage social drinking can create barriers for employees in recovery, potentially jeopardizing their sobriety and career advancement. However, fostering more inclusive environments that normalize non-alcoholic options and accommodate recovery programs can benefit both workers and employers.

The details

Many industries, from law and entertainment to corporate America, still maintain a culture of social drinking through events like happy hours, parties, and client meetings at bars. This can make it difficult for professionals in recovery from alcohol addiction to navigate their careers, as they fear being judged or missing out on opportunities if they abstain from alcohol. Treatment experts and individuals who have navigated sobriety in the workplace advise setting clear boundaries, not over-explaining oneself, and realizing that most co-workers are less concerned about drinking habits than one might think. Employers can also take steps to create more recovery-friendly workplaces, such as hosting events with non-alcoholic options, providing space for recovery meetings, and recognizing that sober employees are often highly productive and reliable.

  • In the 1960s, the 'three-martini lunch' was a common practice in many workplaces.
  • In recent years, younger generations have helped normalize not drinking and increased awareness of mental health and substance use disorders in the workplace.

The players

Lisa Smith

A former lawyer who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction while working at a prestigious law firm in New York. She now runs an advisory firm where she shares her experiences and helps organizations foster more recovery-friendly workplaces.

Ermanno DiFebo

A production designer in Los Angeles who struggled with alcohol addiction for many years before getting sober. He now encourages people to think about alcohol addiction like a food allergy.

Heidi Wallace

The vice president of recovery services at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California. She says individuals in recovery programs are often the most productive and reliable employees.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you're sober and in recovery, nothing's worth risking putting your sobriety at risk.”

— Lisa Smith, Former lawyer and recovery advocate (Associated Press)

“Alcohol makes you sick and manifests itself in compulsion to continue beyond reasoning.”

— Ermanno DiFebo, Production designer (Associated Press)

“Individuals in that recovery process that are working a program, they're actually the most productive workforce. They've done so much work to get to this place, and their program actually has been sitting in a space of gratitude and a place of being of service.”

— Heidi Wallace, Vice President of Recovery Services, Betty Ford Center (Associated Press)

What’s next

Employers can take steps to create more recovery-friendly workplaces, such as hosting events with non-alcoholic options, providing space for recovery meetings, and recognizing the value that sober employees can bring.

The takeaway

While workplaces may still encourage social drinking, professionals in recovery can navigate this challenge by setting clear boundaries, not over-explaining themselves, and realizing that most co-workers are less concerned about drinking habits than one might think. Employers can also benefit by fostering more inclusive environments that normalize non-alcoholic options and accommodate recovery programs.