Anytime we open a magazine we find a number of stories about how some celebrity has committed a foolish act while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Why is it that people in the entertainment industry seem to buckle to the temptation of substance abuse more often than non-celebrities? Maybe the media scrutiny of celebrities just makes it seem that way. “Journalists” don't come swarming when a non-famous person gets wasted and spurts out racial slurs. In any case, it does appear to be a cultural phenomenon that entertainers, famous and not-so-famous, are at risk of becoming substance abusers.

As a 25-year-old stand-up comedian, I have struggled with giving up partying four or five nights a week. I've had to exercise self-control, cutting back drinking and making the transition into adulthood. Many comedians don't make this transition and continue to party until it becomes a self-destructive habit that leads to public embarrassment, in some cases, career suicide or premature death. Talented entertainers like John Belushi, Chris Farley, Richard Lewis, and Mel Gibson are examples of celebrities who have had well known bouts with alcohol and drugs. From a comedian's standpoint, I can identify a few variables that contribute to our likelihood of developing a substance-abuse problem.

First of all, consider our work environment; we work almost exclusively in bars and clubs. For the struggling comedian, financial compensation is often offered in the form of free drinks. Imagine a workplace where you are encouraged to drink as a reward for your performance. Even if you aren't a big drinker, it is hard to pass up free drinks, especially after sweating your ass off on stage in front of sometimes hostile audiences.

Second, if you are making your living as a comedian, you work at night in a bar or club and have no day job, which eliminates your need to get up early and be clear headed for the coming day.

Another reason some comedians have a substance-abuse problem is that they are often lonely people. Many young people give up their party lifestyle reluctantly when they are forced to grow up after they marry and have children. Comedians often remain single well into their 30s and 40s because of the time they spend on the road as well as their egocentric personalities, both of which can spell disaster in relationships. Comedians do not live a traditional lifestyle and are not forced to grow up to deal with responsibilities; therefore they are reluctant to give up alcohol or drugs.

The personality profile of comics is often complex and grounded in insecurity for which comedy offers a release. In a sense, comedians are married to their comedy, and they deal with the loneliness of not being married or having children by self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.

An additional factor that contributes to substance abuse in the entertainment industry is that comedians and entertainers often feel a high while performing that is hard to recreate when the show is over; therefore, they turn to drugs or alcohol as a substitute. Comedians and entertainers climb a slippery slope when it comes to managing the drugs and alcohol that are so readily available in the circles in which they travel.

As a comedian, I am determined to be able to do what I love and still become a responsible adult who is a good role model to my children. Others in this field of work, admittedly in the minority, have managed to pull off living a healthy lifestyle while following their passion to perform. It can be done.

The fact is that entertainers will give up the party lifestyle one way or another eventually. Entertainers with substance-abuse problems often end up in rehab or dead. Keeping that in mind, it just makes sense to get control of the problem while you are young before it ruins your career or even your life. The main goal of comedians is to be funny - not tragic.

• "The Struggling Comic" appears exclusively in Lumino Magazine. Dustin White is a comedian/writer/actor living in Chicago. You can reach him through his Web site at www.dustinwhitecomedian.com.

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