Ex-investment bankers sacrifice sleep for long hours on Wall Street

In recent months, reports have surfaced about a significant trend among junior bankers in the United States where many are opting for prescription ADHD drugs and nicotine pouches to cope with the demanding work culture of Wall Street. This shift is attributed to the intense pressure and extended hours that are commonly experienced in this high-stakes environment. Former investment banker Jonah Frey disclosed that he turned to Adderall, a common medication used to treat ADHD, to maintain focus during 90-hour work weeks. He explained that he felt compelled to find a competitive edge, believing that the financial incentives outweighed the potential health risks associated with the medication. Frey is not alone in his experience, as numerous colleagues have reported similar reliance on these substances to sustain their productivity. The typical workdays for bankers can begin as early as 4 AM and stretch late into the night, often ending around 2 AM. This necessitates a level of focus and stamina that many feel they cannot achieve without the aid of performance-enhancing drugs. The increase in the use of ADHD medications among healthy individuals, particularly in high-pressure jobs, raises concerns over dependency and the potential for health issues such as anxiety and insomnia. Mark Moran, another former Wall Street employee, recounted that his initiation into using Adderall was prompted by suggestions from co-workers. He obtained a prescription through a brief consultation with a physician at a Wall Street health clinic, aiming to improve his ability to work through long hours. Many are now turning to stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse as effective tools to navigate the rigors of their jobs, despite growing awareness of the associated risks. Notably, this phenomenon mirrors challenges faced in other industries, such as academia, where students have similarly turned to these medications for enhanced focus during periods of intensive studying. As the trend continues, experts express warnings similar to those raised during the opioid crisis in the early 2000s. The Drug Enforcement Administration has raised alarms about the potential for abuse of these prescriptions, citing an alarming increase in their distribution since the pandemic due to the rise of telehealth services. Prescriptions for ADHD medications surged from 35.5 million in 2019 to 45 million in the last year. This surge, coupled with the unhealthy habits some individuals adopt to complement their use of these drugs, raises significant concerns about the long-term health implications for those working in high-pressure environments such as Wall Street.