We all know someone who seems to have it all in their professional life. They’ve climbed the corporate ladder with ease, getting promotions and moving through each phase of their career as planned. While their public life paints them as a success story, what happens if they have started a private struggle with substance abuse?
Why Do Professionals Get Addicted?
Professionals in high-pressure jobs may initially start drinking or using drugs because they are seeking a way to cope with the stresses of their work life. A couple of drinks or pills at night “just to unwind” can turn into more and more, and eventually, they find themselves stuck in the cycle of addiction.
Careers that are especially susceptible to substance misuse and addiction include:
- Health care providers, such as doctors, nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists and psychiatrists
- Attorneys and paralegals
- Hospitality workers, including people who manage hotels, bars, restaurants and recreational facilities
- Pilots
How to Manage Addiction as a Professional
If any of this sounds like you, you may be wondering what to do next, and how to admit to the extent of your problem. The first thing you should realize is that addiction can happen to anyone, from any walk of life. It isn’t a character flaw to be ashamed of, and it didn’t affect you because you haven’t done the right things. Instead, it is a chronic illness you’ll need to work on improving throughout your lifetime.
If you can maintain your professional attitude during the workday, and only use alcohol or drugs during your leisure time, you might pat yourself on the back for being a “high-functioning” addict. However, the progressive nature of addiction makes it almost certain you will not be able to maintain the illusion forever. You will eventually reach a point where your addiction threatens your health, your home, your relationships and your livelihood.
How to Regain Control of Your Life
If you are wondering how to seek addiction treatment as a professional, one of your chief concerns might be how to tell your co-workers about it. The answer is that it’s always best to be honest. In doing so, you can play a role in helping destigmatize addiction and the decision to get help. You’ll likely have to delegate some of your responsibilities while you are pursuing recovery as well. Fellow professionals can help step in and manage those tasks for you, allowing you to focus fully on getting better.
What to Look for in Addiction Treatment
When seeking a recovery program to suit your needs, there are many things to keep in mind. Professionals often look for amenities such as:
- A comfortable, home-like environment
- Nutritious prepared meals
- Relapse prevention education
- Group and individual counseling
- Holistic healing therapies such as yoga and massage
- A peaceful setting
Admitting you need help doesn’t make you weak. Indeed, it takes incredible strength to re-learn how to live your life as a recovering addict. You will have to take a hard look at yourself and realize the image you’ve been portraying to the world for so long is false, and that can be one of the most difficult things you’ve ever had to do. However, you will discover a new sense of freedom and hope waiting for you on the other side.
At Vista Taos Renewal Center, we are here for people who are ready to make a fresh start and realize their full potential. Contact us today to learn about the wellness that awaits you in beautiful Taos, New Mexico.
