When Should I Seek Help For a Substance Abuse Problem?

September 20, 2018 centerforpr addiction QA

What Issues of Burnout Do Those in the Mental Healthcare Profession Experience?

“What is addiction, really? It is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood.”

– Alice Miller, a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and philosopher

Substance abuse can affect anyone, and business professionals are no exception. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 20.2 million adults have a substance use disorder (SUD). Professionals are certainly at risk for this, as the pressure and high demands associated with succeeding can prove taxing for many on not only a physical level, but an emotional one. Medium defines pressure as, “A situation that can have significant and negative results if you don’t perform well.”

Since a company’s success relies on its CEOs, executives, and other upper-level managers, these professionals are likely to seek solace in substances such as alcohol or drugs. While they may seem to help feelings of anxiety, stress, or fatigue for a short period of time, they generally cause problems in the long run because they directly affect one’s health, family, social relationships and more, even bleeding into workplace productivity. If you are questioning whether you or a loved one have a substance abuse problem, that’s already a strong indicator of one. The following are some (but not all) signs to really tell:

Using substances for longer than one intends to, in higher doses than originally intended, or despite having told oneself they are no longer using
Neglecting other activities in pursuit of using
Taking serious risks in light of using substances
Experiencing relationship problems that are centered one one’s substance use
Hiding one’s use from close friends, family, coworkers, etc.
Serious changes in appearance, such as with hygiene
Developing a tolerance to substances, meaning that they must keep taking more of the substance and more often in order to achieve the same “high” they originally had

Substances may appear to solve the problem, but in reality, they create more problems. The best way to move forward is to seek treatment, where detoxification and psychotherapy can take place. For professionals in particular, a reputable treatment center should provide maximum comfort and privacy, nutritious food catered to the room, a business center to ensure projects are not missed, and a fully relaxing environment for healing and restoration.

If you haven’t already, speak with someone from a professional treatment center to learn more about programs to best suit your needs. Optimal recovery is possible, and you are not alone in your pursuit for happiness, health, and wellbeing.