Why Executives Use Drugs and Alcohol?
Pressure and stress are key components of any executive’s job description. The constant striving for perfection that many executives aim for can cause mental and physical exhaustion. In order to handle the stress or keep up with all the many things going on, many executives and professionals will turn to drugs and alcohol.
In fact, according to a SAMHSA report, substance use disorder affects 11.4% of the management of companies and administration industry personnel.
Substance use disorders can affect job performance and may lead to termination.
Let’s dive into why so many people in this industry are turning to drugs and alcohol and look at ways you can find help from the addictions coach.
What Are Some Risk Factors Leading To Substance Use Disorders in Executives?
There is often such a misconception about addiction. If you’re successful, you have no reason to use drugs or drink, right? This concept about successful people in business is far from the truth because addiction doesn’t discriminate.
It can strike anyone at any socioeconomic status or education level. CEOs tend to have some significant risk factors for developing a substance use disorder because they are successful.
Some of the very personality traits that make a successful leader are the same traits that lead to addiction. In fact, executives have a whirlwind of risk factors that can quickly lead them into a substance use disorder. Let’s look at a few of the more common risk factors.
Perfectionism
They strive for perfectionism. It becomes an obsession. Obsession and dedication are two traits that are also associated with addiction. But the pressure to always be the best gets to them, though. Once they don’t feel good enough, they get a drink or use drugs to cope with bad feelings.
They are too hard on themselves, which leads to drinking and drug use. When people hold themselves up to such a high standard that it is almost always impossible to meet, this ultimately leads to failure in their minds.
Some other negative consequences of perfectionism include:
- Chronic stress
- Burnout
- Lack of feeling satisfied
- Procrastination
- Missed opportunities and experiences
The negative feelings of perfectionism may lead to drinking or using drugs to self-medicate.
Stress
People will often self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to alleviate chronic stress. Executives must deal with their stress and the stress of every person in the company. This combination of stressors puts a great deal of pressure on those who are leading. The job demands can become overwhelming and leave people looking for an escape.
There is also the constant fear that they could lose their position to someone else. As a result, business executives tend to work longer hours and may turn to stimulant drugs to keep up with their workload.
False Persona
Most great leaders must hide their true emotions and feelings and stay positive and courageous. Unfortunately, by putting on this fake mask all the time, people tend to repress their true feelings. These feelings eventually come up, and drugs and alcohol can help suppress them.
Another problem with many professionals’ false personas is that they tend to isolate themselves. People who isolate themselves are more likely to suffer from depression and use drugs or alcohol to fill the void of intimacy.
Competitive Workplace
Healthy competition can be positive in any workplace. However, once it becomes too toxic, competition in the workplace can lead to addiction. For example, suppose the leaders of the company are caught up in too much competition. In that case, this can cause more stress and anxiety than they already have.
Work-life balance is rarely achieved when you work in a competitive workplace. With all the extra connectedness through apps and technology, it is no surprise that the workplace follows us home. Drugs and alcohol can become a problem quickly in this type of work environment.
How a Sober Companion in New York Can Help
If you decide to detox, you may wonder what will happen when you get home. It is easy to stay sober in a hospital setting, but the true test begins once you’re in the real world. Many people who don’t go on to a facility or aftercare program of some type will relapse.
A good choice for executives is a sober companion. A sober companion in New York or a sober coach can be with you around the clock to help you while you are newly sober or clean. These individuals are highly trained to supervise your recovery so that you succeed.
Business executives may need individualized addiction treatment and may not be able to just take off to a long-term facility. A sober companion can help you adjust to living sober.
Some goals of a sober companion include:
- Guidance
- Emotional support
- Accountability
- Experience with addiction themselves
- Offering support
A sober companion can offer you a private and discrete option to overcome your addiction.
Contact The Addictions Coach Today
Suppose you are a business executive and realize that you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol. In that case, you will want a private, discreet treatment approach. The stigma that accompanies addiction can harm your image or career. The Addictions Coach offers a sober companion. A sober companion is a sensitive and private approach to drug and alcohol treatment. This way, you don’t have to pack up and leave. You can continue living your life as you typically would, just without the use of drugs or alcohol. A sober companion can help you identify the risk and stressors that led to your addiction. A sober companion in New York can join you in everything you do or anywhere you may need to go. Our sober companions will be by your side when you are in a high-risk situation where drinking and using may be a concern for you. Contact The Addictions Coach at 800-706-0318 today, and let us match you up with the perfect sober companion for you.
