When Executives Have Co-Occurring Disorders, It Can Help to Remember This
Mental health issues are nothing new for some people with addiction. In fact, many people with addiction face this crisis at some point in their lives. It may even be the reason they begin using drugs in the first place. At least 20% of people with mental health issues have a co-occurring substance abuse issue. Depending on the mental health issue, this rate can be higher. Substance abuse is often a result of self-medication. Executives are no stranger to this and may fall prey to the same issues.
Impact of Mental Health for Execs
Executives are not immune to experiencing life’s ups and downs. In fact, they are more susceptible to both mental health and addiction issues, mostly by virtue of the fact they are not able to just drop their work and go relax or have fun, most of the time. They work long hours, work hard, and climb higher than their colleagues to achieve success, but end up feeling like failures if they cannot hit certain targets or goals for the company. So much rides on their shoulders. Taking a pill, having a drink, or three, might seem like a good way to cope but it can turn into self-medicating over time. There may also be issues with anxiety, performance anxiety, depression, or other similar issues to deal with that may cloud a person’s judgment.
Behind the Veil
Behind what looks like a perfectly organized life lies secrets that execs with addiction don’t want to share. They spend their work lives trying to manage resources, people, information, feelings, and behaviors. When they cannot manage addiction, they start to worry about how they will function. They may try to control their mental illness. One of the reasons executives with mental health issues and co-occurring addiction often enter treatment late is that they quit later than most do and struggle longer. They measure their self-worth against others and try to navigate the personal issues alone.
Moving Past Denial
The best way to move past denial for executives is to stop looking at education and profession as the only way forward. Educational experience aside, it does not matter how much money a person makes or what they do for a living. Mental health and addiction issues can take anyone’s life and turn it upside down. The cracks will reveal themselves over time, but it is for the betterment of everyone to let go of denial and move forward. There is no shame in seeking help. Self-medication will only work temporarily. The longer a person keeps themselves from getting help, the further they fall into danger and the harder it becomes to come back. A person’s work ethic and success cannot protect them from something larger than themselves. They must do it with others standing by their side, supporting them, and helping guide them into space they need to enter for healing in recovery.
Palmetto is a place to come and rest easy knowing our professional staff understands executive needs better than anybody. We provide care that is above and beyond what you need to succeed in recovery. We have a staff that will assess and evaluate your mental health and addiction needs to tailor a program that suits you. Our program provides a special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.
