While many people strive for success, seek fulfilment and work for career progression in their respective industries, workaholism is a prevalent behavioural addiction. Work addiction causes a compulsive need to work, which can adversely affect other aspects of your life.
You may have been described as a ‘workaholic’ or a ‘perfectionist’ by colleagues at work, family at home or friends when you see them. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are addicted to your job role. Work addiction is compounded by an inability to manage a preoccupation with working and can develop as a result of an intrinsic desire to achieve a certain status or level of success.
Of course, there’s a little snag. Some work addicts do honestly just enjoy their job! They simply like to work all the time, even if it’s at a detriment of everything else. Even so, what they may not realise is they’re setting themselves up to burn out.
We don’t know exactly why some people are more likely to become addicted to work while others are not. However, there are certain factors that may increase your risk, including:
These signs and symptoms of work addiction share many characteristics with all other addictions, particularly other behavioural addictions.
Several signs of workaholism have been identified. They include:
If you think you may be addicted to work, try taking a break (if you can) and see how you react. If you are unable to switch off from thinking about work, and if you feel like you are trying to escape from responsibilities or uncomfortable feelings using work, you may benefit from treatment from a mental health professional.
At The Recovery Lodge we offer various treatments for all addictions, this includes behavioural addictions. You can contact us now at info@www.therecoverylodge.co.uk, on 01795 431751 and via our social media – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We provide a healthy environment uniquely suited to support your growth and healing.
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