Recovering from a work addiction can be a difficult process. Many individuals may develop a work addiction for various reasons, including emotional fulfillment, finding purpose and meaning, or having the drive to succeed and excel.
Regardless of what the reason may be, it may be challenging to renegotiate a job or career when in recovery from a work addiction.
If you or someone you love has been struggling with a work addiction, it is crucial to work with a professional therapist or licensed counselor who can help you identify what fields of work might be appropriate for you while supporting your recovery efforts.
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Triggering Addictive Work Behaviors
For some individuals, the type of work they are in and the environment they surround themselves with may further trigger their addictive work behaviors.
Some people in more prestigious job positions or those with higher power and responsibility in their work environment may be more likely to develop an addiction to their job and more driven to push themselves beyond their limits to find achievement and success.
Many people who struggle with a work addiction may have certain character traits, such as perfectionism, high-achievement, and novelty seeking. These traits in combination with a genetic susceptibility and environment can create the perfect storm for a work addiction to develop.
The Benefits of Treatment
Working with a professional can be helpful in understanding the best way to re-approach career and jobs when in recovery from a work addiction. Some individuals may be able to return to the career and job they once had with some modifications, while others may find it too triggering to resume their prior job.
The process of treatment and recovery can help you better identify what steps are needed in your recovery and whether or not this may include a career or job change.
While it can be difficult to leave a job and/or career that you have loved and been passionate about, it is important to consider what is needed to maintain and preserve your physical, mental, and emotional help. This may involve making hard decisions about your career that ultimately allow you to truly thrive in life.
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 March 16, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com