Do you suspect that you or someone you know could be addicted to work? If this is the case, then it’s important that you are educated about what exactly work addiction is.
Below you will be to find out just what work addiction is all about, what are the signs and symptoms to look out for and how this illness may be treated.
What is Work Addiction?
Everyone wants to be successful. It’s in our DNA to want to be praised, receive recognition or to be living a comfortable and lavish lifestyle.
It is this desire that drives people to work hard, as nothing comes easy in life, unless you’re one of the lucky few.
However, when this desire becomes an obsession, it begins to kick-start an addiction to work.
Work addiction, also known as the ‘silent killer’, is one of the most dangerous addictions around, due to the effects it has on the body.
When an individual is addicted to working, it becomes their only aim in life and the person will not be able to control the amount of work they do.
Commonly labelled as ‘workaholics’, the addict whole life will centre on work and will be unable to engage in any other social activities or hobbies outside of the workplace.
It is often believed that those who are addicted to work will have different and unrealistic idea of perfection and will usually work towards it without ever achieving it.
Signs and Symptoms of Work Addiction
If you think that you or someone you know could be a ‘workaholic’, look out for these signs and symptoms.
A simple way to see if an individual could be addicted to work is to see if the person spends more time at the workplace than with loved ones.
An addicted individual will also feel unable to decline more work or strenuous tasks, as the individual will feel compelled to do it as “they are the only one that can do it right”.
Denial is another factor of work addiction, as the individual will stave off any ideas that they are addicted to work.
When the individual is not at work or is on holiday, he or she may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, dissatisfaction and will usually end what they are doing prematurely in order to get back to work.
Work Addiction Treatment
If you linked any of the signs and symptoms above with you or a loved one, then it’s important that professional medical help is sought after immediately.
There are various forms of therapy and counselling available, such as individual (one-on-one) counselling and group therapy which will help the addicted individual find a balance in their lives and to set new and healthier priorities.
For more information regarding treatment and help for you or a loved one, call us now and our qualified addiction counsellors will gladly assist you.