You know someone who acts like they have it all together, but you’re wondering if they have an addiction problem.
Overview
This “Life Improvement Tool Kit” will help you see how common addiction is with high-functioning individuals. You will learn to recognize those issues—in others or yourself—so that you can take positive steps forward.
You or someone you care about is struggling inside. They are trapped in a compulsive habit that is sucking the peace, joy, and purpose from their life. With 45 minutes of reading and thinking, you can take the next right step.
First, get a piece of paper or open a file to take notes as you go through this kit.
Next, take the Assessment immediately below to help you begin to think more broadly about the nature of this problem in today’s society, and in your world.
Then, go through the 5 lessons which follow. Watch the initial video, and read the articles referenced in the other lessons. Some key points will be captured for you below, but think about what elements seem most important to you and capture those notes.
At the end, create a plan for what you should do about it. Now, time to get started!
Assessment
Start by taking a quick assessment of high-functioning addiction in your world:
1. From 1-to-10 (10 being High), what are the odds that you know one or more high-functioning alcoholics or drug addicts?
2. Think of one person you know in particular (and that could be you). From 1-to-10, what are the odds that person may have a significant addiction issue?
3. What are the characteristics you feel a high-functioning person with an addiction issue may portray?
4. Even if someone is high-functioning, what might be some of the negative results of their use of alcohol or drugs?
5. What do you feel is your most compulsive negative habit, one that you know you should stop but have not been able to?
Lesson 1. Understanding High-Functioning Alcoholics
Take the first step by watching this 5-minute video.
If you like, you can also read that same article.
Unknown to many people, alcoholics are often high-functioning, come from a white collar background, and serve in positions of leadership.
High-functioning alcoholics are people who appear to function normally despite being addicted to alcohol. But they need alcohol, and they use it to feel a way they can’t feel otherwise.
For high-functioning alcoholics to get better, there are two critical success factors:
- Self-awareness: Developing humility to accept their imperfections and work on their issues.
- Accountability: Finding vulnerability to connect with people who will be honest with them.
Once they decide to address their issues, they can be even more high-functioning than before! More productive and with greater resilience and sharper judgment.
Lesson 2. Recognizing a High-Functioning Alcoholic
Take the next step by reading this article.
This article discusses my (Steve’s) journey as a high-functioning alcoholic.
When I became a professional and successful in Sales, it seemed justified to drink. “Work hard, play hard” became a badge of honor.
Over time, I settled into the comfortable belief that I deserved to relax—drink—after a hard day at work. As long as I remained high-functioning, alcohol couldn’t be a problem, right?
An unsettling thought began to intrude on my consciousness: maybe being high-functioning doesn’t mean you’re not an alcoholic!
I eventually became miserable. Sorry for lost time. Worried about whether I could quit, or if I wanted to. Mostly scared about finishing the rest of my life at half speed, not being the person I could be.
I decided I couldn’t live that way anymore. And my new life began.
Lesson 3. White Collar Addiction
Take the next step by reading this article.
We live in an addictive culture, and it is valid to ask, “Are we all addicted to something?” There are a number of factors contributing to white collar addiction in today’s society.
The discretionary income and lifestyle of white collar workers allow them to afford drugs and keep their use hidden. And, since they seem to have it all together, they are likely given the benefit of the doubt by others.
There are things that can be done to deal with the risks:
- We can increase our awareness to the very real danger that, “Yes, substance abuse or even addiction could happen to me or someone close to me.”
- We can get education to increase our health consciousness so we can make wise decisions that move us toward wellness rather than addiction.
- We can connect to someone or a group familiar with how addiction works.
Lesson 4. White Collar Addiction (Part 2)
Take the next step by reading this article.
Addiction with white collar professionals is a serious problem partly because we–perhaps due to pride–seem skilled at ignoring or rationalizing growing issues we are facing.
There are several ways this happens: we lack awareness; we remain in denial; we are fearful of change; or we are spiritually immature
There are things that can be done to better deal with the risks:
- Take an honest assessment of our habits to increase our awareness of whether we are becoming compulsive and dependent on any substance or behavior.
- Read the STEPS Journey Blog articles in the category of “Addiction and Recovery”to get more education on the risks of white collar addiction.
- Connect to a resource on parenting to help us be sure we don’t pass on our issues to the next generation.
Lesson 5. The Cost of High Achievement
Take the final step in this process by reading this article.
The qualities of high achievers include a sense of control, an aim for perfectionism, and self-sufficient decision-making. Want to know some of the traits of many alcoholics? The same list.
Add feelings of entitlement and pride, and throw in a high-stress work environment, and that adds up to the profile of high-achieving professionals who may develop a problem.
Unfortunately, traits that enable high achievement can hamper one’s progress toward recovery. For example, pride and entitlement may prevent them from recognizing their issues and dealing with them.
One step at a time, a new way of living can be found by an approach that may still embrace hard work and excellence, but in balance with other positive attributes as well.
Create a Plan
Now, make some plans about how this material should affect your life.
1. Do you believe there are many high-functioning, white-collar professionals who have an addiction problem? Why or why not?
2. List the characteristics you feel are most helpful in determining if someone has an addiction problem, even if they are still high-functioning.
3. What are some things you could do to be available and helpful for anyone you know who may be struggling?
4. In the Assessment above, you named your most compulsive negative habit. Now, capture the harmful results or consequences of that habit.
5. What next steps should you take to help you better deal with that bad habit and prevent it from getting worse?
Get Started
Take the next right step!
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