Lemondrop

While most of us office drones are trying to survive the money crunch, some industries are raking it in. Along with pawn shops, repo men and thrift stores, the vice industry is flourishing.

Those Wall Street guys who may or may not have caused this global mess aren't about to give up their lunchtime lap dances -- in fact, they need to blow off steam more than ever. Meanwhile, the laid-off among us now have all day to drown our sorrows at the bar.

Sales of alcohol, cigarettes and even guns have remained surprisingly steady amid the economic crisis. At least one New York strip club has been able to raise prices and still see success. We may be substituting our Hefeweizens with Natural Ice, but there's still demand for a $1,000 lap dance.

Experts say when we are collectively worried, stressed and depressed, our bad habits become even more comforting, making the industry of sin is even more lucrative. While the most costly, high-end prostitutes might have fewer clients with money to burn for now, some say most working girls could see an increase in traffic.

But if leaving your job to open up your own vodka-and-lemonade stand seems like too big a risk and you'd rather just buy some stocks while they're low, you can still consider investing in the vice industries. Owning slightly lowbrow yet diverse stocks will give you an excuse to indulge: After all, you have to support your investments!

Tell us! Do you have any bad habits that you've indulged in more since the recession panic started?