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In Part 1 of this article, we saw the dangers of addiction with white collar professionals: we are surrounded by addiction, encouraged toward it, and not limited in our pursuit of it.
The situation is actually worse than that.
It’s not only outside circumstance that proliferate substance abuse in white collar America–it’s us! Because not only are we often blinded to addiction, we are wired for it!
Even worse, we sometimes help proliferate it.
We are blinded to addiction
Addiction with white collar professionals is a serious problem partly because we–perhaps due to our pride–seem especially skilled at ignoring or rationalizing growing issues we are facing.
There are several ways this happens:
- We lack awareness: Even though our issues may be growing, we often remain relatively productive at work. We’ve never “hit bottom,” so we rationalize that everything is still okay.
- We remain in denial: Whether we realize it or not, we carry a stigma for “those people” who struggle with addiction, and our pride doesn’t allow us to see ourselves that way.
- We are fearful of change: We worry that what we are doing will affect our job, marriage, or kids (ironically missing the fact that it already affects all of them). But what we fear even more is giving up that comfortable, yet negative, habit we have become so dependent on.
- We are spiritually immature: White collar professions applaud self-dependence and intellect, which leads some of us to conclude that we can run our lives totally on our own. Though designed by God and surrounded by the evidence of God, some remain blind to the reality of God. This lack of spiritual awareness makes them much more prone to addiction.
It’s not denial. I’m just selective about the reality I accept. (Bill Watterson)
And our ongoing internal dialogue of self-serving rationalizations blinds us even more: “Everyone does it. I’m not hurting anybody. I can stop whenever I want. I work hard, so I deserve to drink (or use) when I get home. I just do it to relax. And on, and on, and on …”
What we can do: Take a hard, honest assessment of our habits to increase our awareness of whether we are becoming compulsive and dependent on any substance or behavior.
We are wired for addiction
In many ways, white collar workers–especially high performers and C-level executives–are wired to be addicts. Below is an excerpt from my blog article titled “The Cost of High Achievement:”
What are the qualities of high achievers? They 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.
The traits that make a good CEO–risk-taking, strong drive for success, obsession, dedication, novelty-seeking–are precisely what make a ‘good’ addict. (Alice G. Walton, Why the Brains of High-Powered People May Be More Prone to Addiction in Forbes)
Add feelings of entitlement and pride, and throw in a high-stress work environment, and that adds up to the profile of many high-achieving professionals and business executives.
What we can do: Read the STEPS Journey Blog articles in the category of “Addiction and Recovery” to get more education on the risks of white collar addiction.
We may proliferate addiction
It is one thing to allow a self-destructive habit to harm our own life. It’s quite another to take someone else down with us. But that’s what some people do with their kids.
In today’s world, parents must be vigilant, because the pressures on young people are immense, and there are many reasons why teenagers take drugs. A parent consumed with numbing or magnifying how they feel is often not present enough for the kids who desperately need them.
And we forget that the most powerful way our kids learn to act is through our own example.
Children learn more from what you are than what you teach. (W.E.B. DuBois)
If we remain fixated on our own compulsive habit, we may lead our kids down the path to addiction. But if we set an example of someone who can face their issues and seek help to deal with them, we give our kids a life-changing role model they can learn from.
We may think that by making a lot of money and having a prestigious job that we are providing well for our family. Frankly, those things are not what they need most. They need us. Present and sober.
What we can do: Connect to a resource on parenting, for example through coaching available from STEPS Proactive Parenting.
The good news is that with awareness, education, and connection, we can prevent white collar addiction. And that is what the STEPS Business Wellness program is designed to do.
The amazing thing we will learn along the way is that this lifestyle will also lead us to more peace, joy, and purpose in our lives. If we are willing to take the next right step.
Question: Does your company have a way to prevent addiction with white collar professionals?
Action: Start getting the STEPS Journey Blog to stay informed of how to help prevent addiction.
