How to Preserve ADDICTION RECOVERY
Shahan Chowdhury, M.D.
The Executive Health Doc? | Founder & CEO @ Tailored Health | Executive Health & Wellness Expert | Concierge Medicine Pioneer
Executives often find themselves in a luxurious lifestyle with frequent travel, social events, and open bars, making it difficult for them to accept their addiction and seek help. To remain successful, they must be mindful of potential triggers such as stress, failure, or success that could lead to relapse due to the overwhelming presence of substances. They need to recognize these situations ahead of time to take preventive measures and continue leading productive lives.
Executives are supportive in the form of peers who understand triggers and aid in developing coping strategies. Furthermore, sober companions or residential treatment facilities that provide privacy while offering valuable care are also healthy outlets for executives.
Senior leaders may have a privileged lifestyle, with monthly conferences and lavish dinners to attend, office parties to enjoy, and first-class flights. Alcohol is rarely in short supply either — at every get-together or event, free drinks are abundant for them. Ask executives about their experiences with this kind of opulent executive life!
Amidst the bravado, there was a desperate plea for relief. With grueling job demands and extended hours, executives have increasingly turned to alcohol as a means of coping. While some remain high-functioning with their addiction hidden from view, this does not diminish its dangers or severity; instead, it amplifies them. Seeking help requires facing both personal realization and the fear of being judged — a seemingly insurmountable feat that one conquers by initiating treatment for addiction recovery.
Executives who are beginning or hoping to start residential addiction treatment can struggle with managing their recovery while staying in the high-pressure lifestyle they desire. They must believe they can maintain sobriety through stressful moments, enabling them to lead a life of success without relapsing into dependency. With the proper education and therapy that focuses on potential triggers, they can achieve both: liberation from substance abuse while still keeping their job.
RESPECT THE?TRIGGERS
It is essential to consider all the potential scenarios that could lead to a drinking episode; there are countless triggers, so it is critical to recognize them so as not to be taken by surprise. This compilation of attributes is comparable to those held by many other individuals in high-stakes, demanding roles that also offer great rewards.
Unfortunately, executives are often vulnerable to various addictive stimuli — apart from drugs and alcohol — such as stress, anxiety, and fear of failure. Peer pressure also plays a role in substance abuse. When everyone else is drinking or doing recreational drugs, it is easy for someone to rationalize their usage because they are simply like everybody else. The real challenge lies in learning how to avoid these triggers altogether.
SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF TO DISCOVER HIDDEN STRENGTHS
Therapists and peer groups can teach executives successful strategies on what to articulate and how to think to themselves when confronted with triggers. For instance, during moments of celebration, it is imperative that words like “No thanks, I’ve got to finish the next project so we can get some more of this!” are said out loud — such game planning will help executives navigate through conference scenarios which involve drinks; allowing them not only the networking opportunity but also further social interaction.
Honing the art of saying “no” in a group can profoundly change your life. For example, who could refuse when a flight attendant offers free drinks or an extended happy hour evolves into a party? Yet, by simply declining, you demonstrate that it is possible to say no, and this experience will redefine how you view the world.
Of course, it isn’t just a matter of words. Overcoming addiction is one of the most challenging things one can do, especially when there are so many triggers.
Returning to the dynamic yet rewarding world of what we love carries a high risk, often resulting in overconsumption. To safely traverse this precarious path, having a reliable confidant by one’s side is essential. Consider seeking assistance from trusted professionals such as addiction therapists and getting help finding an appropriate “Sober Companion.”
By being mindful of the moments that would typically lead to drinking, just as many executives before us who have suffered from addiction’s severe impact, we can gain an edge over our temptations and ultimately commit ourselves to a winning attitude instead of surrendering.
Don’t accept defeat. Feel free to seek the right professional help and resources that acknowledge the best of times and the complex problems in life. No matter how daunting this industry may seem or what burdens it may bring, YOU have power over your career path. With education and preparation, you can gain mastery over addiction — any executive with a drug problem can take control too!
ADDICTION INFLUENCES HIGH-EARNING PROFESSIONALS
Far from being immune, CEOs are just as susceptible to the dangers of addiction as anyone else. Some executives will argue that their success sets them up for such problems in the first place. With plenty of resources and a certain level of prestige, these individuals often have more means to mask their addiction than those without money or power. For this reason, we must remain ever vigilant if any signs suggest substance abuse may be present.
Despite this, the proper treatment can and often does lead to recovery. Executives who admit they have an addiction problem are usually highly motivated to improve since there is so much at stake for them. We all think of addicts stereotypically — disheveled, homeless, out of control, unemployed, and stealing from relatives or acquaintances — but that isn’t always accurate. Recovery should be accessible to everyone suffering from addiction, regardless of their circumstances or standing.
Regardless of socioeconomic status or other conditions it is essential to remember that anyone can be susceptible to addiction, irrespective of socioeconomic status or other conditions. Obsession proves time and time again to be a chronic disorder with relapsing tendencies, influenced by various factors, including genetics, home environment, and parental beliefs about drug use.
While executives may appear to have it all together, research reveals that one in six of the top 250 business leaders could suffer from alcoholism or drug addiction. Even more disturbingly, some studies propose that 10% of C-suite bosses are mentally and physically impaired due to their substance abuse issues. These numbers demonstrate how important it is for companies to create an environment where those struggling with addiction can get help without fear of stigma or consequences.
Although CEOs and executives have the privilege of having more financial resources and flexible schedules than most, this also allows them to cover up their addiction for long periods. However, as their obsession intensifies, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to maintain high-level performance in their professional roles.
Phycological traits that can develop substance addictions
Achieving success in the corporate world necessitates particular talents and skills, yet, it is a double-edged sword since these same traits can also lead to addiction.
Sensation-Seeking
Risk-taking is a critical attribute of CEOs; they frequently pursue unique experiences, challenge traditional beliefs, and question the current system — all to come up with creative product ideas and take on ventures that many would consider too bold. These qualities have enabled them to make great strides in their businesses despite any risks.
Professor David J. Linden of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has developed a hypothesis to understand why some individuals succumb more easily to addiction than others and display an intense need for excitement.
This hypothesis posits that some individuals possess a genetic predisposition for lower dopamine levels in their brains, prompting them to seek heightened arousal or thrills. This activity can induce the same pleasure as those with normal dopamine signaling would experience from activities involving less effort or risk-taking behaviors. This craving for excitement, which can be highly advantageous when channeled into tasks like launching a business, may also push high performers to indulge in substance abuse dependency.
Childhood trauma
The type of family an executive, comes from may be a cause for addiction. Dr. Constance Scharff , an addiction specialist at Cliffside Malibu Treatment Center, suggests that many high-achievers experienced hardship or trauma in their younger years, which could lead to addictive behaviors later on in life. She claims that an unseen force is propelling us to strive for success, which often coincides with the driving factor behind addictions. Most of these individuals lacked fundamental needs as children, so they are now heavily driven toward achieving greatness.
For many executives, a crucial factor that shapes their career path is how they grew up in an environment where love leads to success and achievements — academic or athletic. These leaders developed the belief that what matters most is not who they are but how successful they become. Even though lots of people think accomplishing success will fill a void from childhood, this often doesn’t happen. The emptiness remains unfulfilled; some people use a substance to fill it.
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Fake being
Executives may construct a persona to protect themselves from insecurity, acting confident and upbeat. Unfortunately for some, this wall of composure prevents them from being in touch with their genuine emotions and reactions.
Constructing this manufactured identity can assist them in their pursuits, yet it often hinders emotional openness and proximity to others. As a result, substance abuse is now a coping mechanism for loneliness and repressed social exclusion.
Unattainable ideals and unrealistic goals
Executives often have a perfectionist mentality and set high expectations for themselves and their teams. They focus on the next mission or objective in front of them.
Having a firm hand on all aspects of business operations can provide them with stability and dominance, but it could be an easier path for avoiding uncomfortable emotions and postponing addressing other areas in life, such as personal relationships. Individuals may seek refuge in substances if they haven’t developed healthy coping mechanisms to deal with their feelings.
The fantasy of a high-functioning addict
Executives dealing with addiction can find it challenging to seek help, especially if they can still show up for work and appear productive. Unfortunately, those in their life may be unknowingly enabling this behavior. Leaders must acknowledge the issue and take steps toward recovery to continue on a successful path.
C-level executives have a certain degree of authority that can be intimidating, making those who work under them hesitant to address their addiction out of fear that they may suffer job loss. Furthermore, even the person’s closest loved ones might only say something if the executive is in a position of power since it could seem too soon or inappropriate to intervene. The privilege afforded by such status protects them from any form of confrontation.
Unfortunately, financial resources can prevent executives from seeking help for their addictions. Although many CEOs and high-level executives are wealthy, they often spend excessive money on drugs and alcohol without worry because it does not affect their bank accounts. Even though addicts often find themselves without money and resort to illegal activities to support their habit, thus leading them down a road of arrests and being at rock bottom, CEOs can continue to fund thousands of dollars each month for prolonged periods.
Addiction is a menacing issue that will continue to ravage individuals if it remains untreated. Many can deceive themselves and others into believing they are healthy, but destructive drug use habits become more severe as physical, mental, and social issues pile up. Substance abuse not only has the power to cause lasting psychological damage, but it can also bring about devastating physical consequences such as cancer, heart disease, lung ailments, kidney failure, liver injury, and even death.
Broadcom
Henry T. Nicholas III was the founder of Broadcom, a corporation that manufactures chips for cell phones and gaming systems, among other electronics. His company saw immense success; however, he also developed issues with substance abuse.
In a shocking email to his then-spouse, he admitted to indulging in meth and cocaine while settling the Broadcom deal. In pursuit of reconciling his marriage, he left Broadcom in 2003; however, three years later, he dissolved their union — prompting him to get help at a rehab center in Malibu come 2007.
Denial
A pressing challenge in convincing influential people to seek treatment is that they often disagree with the notion of being an addict. This stubbornness, mainly when they can still generate a remarkable amount of work, can lead to further denial.
Many also assume that strong leaders have to be in control at all times. Sam Johnson released a documentary, Carnauba: A Son’s Memoir. Sam Johnson — the former CEO of S.C. Johnson & Son and a chemical products manufacturer- divulges how he came to terms with his battle against addiction in an honest, candid manner. His wife and children implored him to seek help from the Mayo Clinic during a time of denial in the early ’90s; however, Johnson refused twice before eventually agreeing. “It was difficult for me,” he confessed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last August. “I held an important role at Maya Clinic.”
Addressing an executive about the treatment
Although some executives are willing to get help voluntarily, many are hesitant and need persuasion from intervention before realizing that professional treatment is essential.
If you want to reach out and provide support for a CEO who has an addiction, here are some helpful tips:
1. Take the initiative and have an intimate discussion with a close confidant or associate who can then suggest to the CEO that professional help is needed.
2. Be prepared with concrete proof. If you have detailed accounts of particular events, such as when the CEO has difficulty speaking in a meeting due to their addiction struggles, then it is more likely that the individual will be willing to receive treatment.
3. Show the importance of performance. If possible, clearly demonstrate a decrease in the individual’s professional execution and explain that there will be ramifications if their work does not improve.
Executive Rehabs
Executives are familiar with that; like most people, they have a hard time quitting without professional help.
Individuals liable for various professional obligations might utilize their tasks and sense of duty to justify not getting help. An executive rehab program can solve these struggles, removing this mental roadblock once and for all. These programs are made specifically for busy entrepreneurs who desire to remain anonymous while they work. The amenities offered in these packages cater perfectly to CEOs and other executives, providing them with workspace, internet access, phone privileges, and conference room availability.
Executive programs for addiction treatment offer both individual and group therapy but also boast superior staff-to-client ratios, thus, allowing each person to receive more personalized attention. Numerous programs incorporate 12-step meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, to provide a holistic and comprehensive treatment program.
Liberation
Addiction is an equal opportunity issue that can affect anyone, regardless of background. Learning more about addiction and how to recognize it can help you become more attuned to your life’s warning signs. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Treatment options range from therapy and counseling to medication and residential treatment programs. No matter what stage of addiction someone is in, there is always hope for recovery. With the right resources and support, anyone can overcome addiction and go on to lead a fulfilling and productive life.
About the?Author
The Executive Health Doc? , Dr. Shahan Chowdhury, is an executive health expert and concierge medicine pioneer working with companies that seek to ignite professional and personal growth in their executives. She is consistently ranked in the top 10% of executive health providers in the United States. Her clinic, Tailored Health , is located in Frisco, TX, and empowers senior leaders to become the executives of their own health and long-term well-being.