Addiction in the C-Suite
Addiction in the C-Suite
Addiction is prevalent among C-suite executives. These employees’ high-ranking positions mean there is a lot of pressure on their shoulders, and they often develop addictive habits as a means of escape.
Article Contents
What is the C-Suite?
The term “C-suite” refers to high-ranking executives at a company, as their titles often start with C. However, the C-suite may include other titles or high-ranking officials. The high-ranking positions of employees in the C-suite mean there is significant pressure on their shoulders. These executives often develop addictive habits as a means of escape or self-medication for the stressful situations their jobs place them in.1
C-Suite Titles:
The C-suite titles include:
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- Chief Executive Officer: The CEO is the highest-ranking executive officer in the company
- Chief Financial Officer: The CFO oversees a company’s finances
- Chief Information Officer: The CIO is responsible for the management of information and computer technology
- Chief Marketing Officer: A CMO oversees a company’s marketing and advertising
- General Counsel: A GC provides legal counsel to the officers in charge
- Chief Human Resource Officer: The CHRO is responsible for overseeing a company’s human resource strategy1
C-Suite Pressures and Stresses
C-suite executives deal with their share of pressures and stresses. These stressful factors include the following:
Performance and Accountability Pressures
Executives at the C-suite level are often required to reach certain goals within a given time frame. For instance, they may be required to hit a certain sales mark each month. If they are unable to do so, their job may be on the line.
Perfectionism
C-suite executives must set a good example for those around them, such as their team or their superiors. As a result, these executives may become obsessed with being ‘perfect’, a goal that no one can attain.
Advancement
For many C-suite executives, their job is all about climbing the corporate ladder. If they are unable to advance, they may disappoint themselves and fear disappointing the people they love. This aspect can be even more frustrating if their peers are advancing while they are staying at the same level.
Work Hard Play Hard
Individuals at the C-suite level are often about the work hard, play hard mentality. They become used to a luxury life that allows them to indulge outside of the office. The stresses of everyday life further fuel the need for this type of escape.
Time Demand and Family Issues
When you are at the C-suite level, you may not be able to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Work-life balance can also be difficult if you are trying to bond with your family. C-level employees may start experiencing issues at home that add to the pressure from work.
Addiction on the C-Suite Level
Why Do Successful Professionals use Drugs?
Successful professionals are under stress when it comes to reaching goals, setting a good example for others, getting ahead, and making time for their families. They may also be tempted by their peers when it comes to living the work hard, play hard lifestyle.
On top of all the stress C-suite executives deal with, they may also be coping with burnout. Doing the same thing every day can get to them but taking a break can mean a shutdown of the entire system.
Rates of Substance Abuse in top Executives
The rates of substance abuse in top executives are shockingly high. In larger companies, it may not be unusual to find 15 of the 250 top executives dealing with addiction issues. Research has shown that approximately 10% of C-suite executives use drugs and alcohol regularly.2
White-Collar Workers Have 2-3 Times Higher Risk Then Lower-Income Workers
Although some may think that C-suite workers are fortunate due to their high incomes, this is countered by their high addiction rates. It has been shown that white-collar workers are 2-3 times more likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol as compared to lower-income workers.
Drug use often comes with the stresses of a successful career, but it can also start earlier in life. A 2017 study showed that adolescents from upper-middle-class communities were more likely to grow up with addiction issues than those from lower-income brackets.3
What Drugs do C-Suite Executives Abuse?
Some of the most common drugs that C-level employees tend to use include:
- Cocaine: Cocaine is a stimulant that may give successful drug addicts the energy they need to work long hours
- Adderall: Adderall is another name for amphetamine. This drug is a stimulant that may provide a false sense of energy. 4
- Opioids: Opioids stimulate the pleasure and rewards center in the brain. Although they are usually prescribed for pain relief, they can also be bought on the street. Executives may use them to escape the stress of their demanding jobs.
- Alcohol: Alcohol affects people in different ways, but for some individuals, alcohol elevates their mood and temporarily relieves stress.
- Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for seizures and anxiety. Their ability to depress the nerves of the brain causes a sedating effect. 5
Signs of Substance Abuse
Although the drugs listed above may provide temporary relief, they often have ongoing effects that cause more harm than good in the long run. Here are some behavioral and physical signs of addiction among those struggling with addiction.6
Behavioral Signs:
- Changes in mood
- Building a tolerance to the drug
- Needing more of a substance to see the same effect
- Having a difficult time setting limits
- Losing interest in things or activities once enjoyed
Physical Signs
- Shaking or tremors in withdrawal
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Inability to sleep
How C-Suite Executives Hide Their Addiction
C-suite executives can usually hide their addiction at first. They may be used to a professional schedule, and they may be aware of what’s at stake if they let their habit show.
After a while, however, most executives are unable to keep things under control. They will experience difficulties that make it impossible to hide their symptoms any longer.
Treating Addiction in the C-Suite
Fortunately, there are ways to treat addiction with luxury rehab services that are suited to those who are used to upscale living.
Luxury Addiction Services
A C-suite executive may want a luxury rehab experience. This experience includes a personalized room, a specialized menu, upscale community areas, pools, stunning views, and a relaxing environment.
Working During Addiction
Those struggling with addiction may be reluctant to get help because they don’t want to miss work. They feel that if they take time off, they will miss out on income and their whole company may fall apart.
Fortunately, outpatient rehab is an option. If they go this route, they will be able to continue working while taking time to attend therapy groups. They may even temporarily live in a rehab facility while they are not at work.
Privacy
Privacy is an issue for many C-suite executives who go into rehab. They may be concerned that the word will get out about their addiction and affect their professional reputation. A luxury rehab will make discretion a priority to ensure job protection.
If you or a loved one is dealing with addiction at the C-suite level, Iris Healing® can help. We offer end-to-end service that includes detox, therapies, and outpatient care to prepare you for sober living. We provide luxury accommodations that are up to the highest standards.
Don’t let addiction rule your life. Call Iris Healing® and get ready to enjoy a higher quality of living.
Resources
- https://onlinebusiness.northeastern.edu/blog/what-is-a-c-suite-executive-ceo-vs-cfo-vs-coo/
- https://www.rehabs.com/high-earning-drug-users/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317264173_Adolescents_from_upper_middle_class_communities_Substance_misuse_and_addiction_across_early_adulthood
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63163/adderall-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/benzodiazepines/drug-class.htm
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
