Top Chef Gregory Gourdet on Reimaging his Relationship with Drugs and Alcohol and Redefining an Industry Bursting with Substance Use

Heart of the Matter

As an up-and-coming chef in Manhattan, Gregory Gourdet found himself surrounded by addictive substances. After finishing an arduous shift at one of the city’s top restaurants, he’d frequently spend the rest of the night partying, fueled by alcohol and cocaine. Eventually, his substance use caught up with him, putting at risk the thing he loved doing most: cooking. It wasn’t until he moved to Portland, Oregon and connected with a community of other chefs who had experiences with addiction that he was able to make the changes he needed. Now Gregory is committed to maintaining his own health, as well as helping others with theirs, whether by sharing nutritious recipes in his new cookbook, Everyone’s Table, or leading a support group of chefs in recovery.

Related reading:

After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• Alcohol: What Families Need to Know to Protect Young People
• How to Identify Substance Use Disorder & Addiction
• Recovery Support Groups for Addiction: One Size Does Not Fit All

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
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