6th January 2021 • Sticky Post

High-Functioning Addicts: Why Professionals Succumb to Addiction

 

When we think about addiction, we generally tend to picture someone who has reached “rock bottom.” Society’s image of the addict is generally a person whose affliction has taken everything away from them. Broken families, financial ruin, powerlessness, and homelessness are often the default image our minds conjure up when addiction and addicts are under discussion. But in reality, addicts exist in all walks of life, and their circumstances can be radically different from those we’ve mentioned. Our reflexive reaction to the word “addiction” is a result of the severe stigma that surrounds this health problem and is often a barrier to treatment for those who need it most. For "high-functioning addicts", the refusal to admit the severity of the problem can often exacerbate it. That’s why we’re taking a look at the unique challenges high-functioning, successful professionals with addictions face when they need help.

Denial 

For many professionals, their identity as an individual is subsumed by their career. Your job may necessitate keeping your personal opinions, feelings, and fears to yourself. And these long-held habits can be a huge barrier to admitting to yourself or those around you that you have a problem and need help with solving it. For people in high-stress jobs who are used to facing significant challenges and dealing with heavy responsibilities, admitting that you’re powerless in the face of addiction is often the most difficult step to take. 

Stress

In today’s society, it’s easy to become a workaholic. Smartphones and breakthroughs in communications technology can make it seem like you never really have time off. Many professionals begin to misuse substances as a way to de-stress, often self-medicating in order to fall asleep or blow off steam. But as an addiction develops, the tension of attempting to manage an unmanageable condition while also navigating difficult and exhausting situations at work can lead you into a downward spiral where both causes of stress feed off of each other. 

Fear of Professional Disgrace

Doctors, lawyers, and those in the finance industry all have wide circles of acquaintance, and all of their jobs are built on maintaining the trust of their clients. When individuals working in these areas develop problems with substance abuse, they begin to live in fear of discovery, and a sense of living in isolation with a secret generally becomes pronounced. Even mentioning words like “treatment” and “addiction” to colleagues, clients, or supervisors could come with serious professional consequences. As a result, many high-functioning people working in prestigious jobs tend to suffer in silence until their situation becomes critical. In spite of their ample resources, professionals, like the vast majority of those suffering from substance abuse disorders, are highly unlikely to receive the treatment they need.

No Time For Self-Care

People in demanding industries and professions often have a lot of difficulty taking the time that their bodies and minds need to stay healthy. When you’re looking to break free from dependence on a substance, you’ll need time to allow yourself to heal and develop the strategies and skills needed to make recovery last. It’s crucial to remember that if you are a high-functioning person in need of physical, psychological, or spiritual care to deal with a substance use disorder, delaying treatment is almost certain to exacerbate the problem. There are options out there that can work for you, regardless of how busy your schedule is. 

Burnout

Demanding schedules, the difficulties of managing other people, tension-filled situations, and a sense of fatigue all lead many high-powered people to burn-out in their careers. And vulnerability to substance abuse is one of the symptoms of this condition. If you’re suffering from burnout (common symptoms are exhaustion, a compromised immune system, depression, insomnia, and a sense of isolation) you may want to factor that in when evaluating your treatment options. It’s important to ask yourself whether substance misuse is the problem or merely a symptom. You may be in need of a facility that has experience and expertise in treating both conditions.

Find Solutions That Work For You!

One of the options you should consider is an Executive Rehab Center. These facilities are designed for high-functioning addicts and alcoholics to receive the treatment they need in a setting that allows them to experience a minimum of disruption in their professional lives. Many facilities offer amenities like conference rooms, access to computers, travel support, and firm commitments to maintaining privacy which is often vitally important to clients. They’ll be willing to work your commitments and professional needs into a custom treatment plan that allows you to stay in good standing at work while dealing with your issues. These treatment centers also generally offer a more luxurious experience than you would encounter at a run of the mill treatment center, often including swimming pools, exercise facilities, and catered meals as well as a more flexible schedule. They also tend to offer comprehensive out-patient services that could offer the support you need.

Many highly successful people with addiction issues opt to receive treatment abroad. One of the main reasons for this is the guarantee of privacy. You run little risk of running into someone you know from your professional life and are all but guaranteed to keep your personal life private. You also can tell your colleagues, clients, and supervisors that you’re taking a much-needed vacation, rather than dealing with a personal issue. In many instances, taking a break from the stresses which have led you into dependence on a substance will have a hugely beneficial effect on your attitude in treatment and the outcomes you achieve. Furthermore, you may gain access to some treatments, such as ibogaine therapy or NAD+, which may not be available in your home country.  

High-functioning addicts face unique obstacles in treating their addiction issues, but they also have access to a broad range of facilities and services based on their financial resources, comprehensive insurance plans, and personal connections. If you’re looking for a way to end your addiction, we’d recommend spending the time to look at all of the treatment options that are available and reflecting on your individual needs. If you have any questions about our methods, services, or treatments, feel free to get in touch today!