It can be hard to understand how an addiction to work can be harmful. If something is being accomplished or success is obtained through hard-working habits in the workplace, how can this be detrimental to an individual?
The truth is that any behavior taken to the extreme can be dangerous, especially if high priorities and daily activities in life are being neglected for work.
Many individuals who may be struggling with a work addiction may not realize how their behaviors are hurting themselves or those closest to them, and understanding the seriousness of this issue may only come when the issue becomes out of hand.
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Co-Worker Feedback
Working hard at a job is often celebrated and praised, and the feedback that may be given by superiors or co-workers can further encourage addictive behaviors in the workplace.
If you or someone you love has struggled with a work addiction, it is essential to get the professional help you need to navigate through this complex issue and find ways to appropriately approach your job and career situation.
If work priorities have caused you to neglect other important aspects of your life, such as your own personal health, relationships, or responsibilities, such as parenting, you may consider speaking with a professional about these concerns.
A work addiction may also be present if you find yourself obsessed about your job or job duties, or unable to take a break from work long enough to attend to your responsibilities and daily duties.
If you have found yourself in this situation, know that you do not have to face this alone, and that professional help is available for you to overcome this issue.
You Can Get Help
A professional, such as a licensed therapist or counselor, can help you navigate through the process of recovering from a work addiction.
You may also be concerned about other aspects, such as discussing your addiction with co-workers or learning to set more appropriate boundaries in the workplace.
Where you may have once previously taken jobs or responsibilities from co-workers, you may need to learn how to say no to some tasks in order to protect your recovery.
Your therapist can help you find appropriate ways of discussing your addiction with your co-workers as well as means of protecting your recovery as you continue working.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 12, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com