Why don’t more professionals seek help before something happens and they end up in the paper for driving under the influence, possession, work related use or some other illegal behavior connected to their addiction? The top three reasons that I have both seen in my clients and have experienced in my own life as I have been through my own life experiences include

1) Denial- Many professionals think that they are smarter than becoming one of “those people” who are overindulging. After all they have gotten to this point in their career where they are a leader, they have developed an expertise in their field, perhaps an impressive portfolio or college degree. They tell themselves they should be able to handle it.

2) Fear- People don’t want others to know. They fear if they are found out they will get in trouble, be judged by others, lose their jobs and a barrage of other things that they aren’t equipped to deal with. They think it is just better to keep quiet about it and not reach out. Furthermore, if they did go to treatment or a counselor they may run into their clients, patients, inmates, neighbors, relatives or others they work with that they would not want to know. 

3) Shame-Perhaps they have had their own judgments about people who have become addicted to drugs or alcohol or other things so they are now feeling that they may be perceived as inferior people because they couldn’t get a handle on their addictions. How could they possibly admit that they had stooped to that same level. 

When someone has worked to get to a point of being a “professional”  is understandable that the rest of the world has behavioral expectations of them like being able to maintain responsible and ethical behavior. Unfortunately, like a diabetic whose insulin level wanes in the light of their disease, alcoholics and addicts struggle to keep things on a “normal” level and when people overindulge they are not capable of making good decisions. Many times they don’t even remember what they did so when later accused of something they honestly deny it because they don’t recall it but it’s too late to fix it. 

SO WHAT CAN PROFESSIONALS DO TO DEAL WITH AN ADDICTION?

Be Proactive! Too many people deny they have a problem until they get caught. Granted, facing consequences can be the best thing that ever happened to some people but it doesn’t have to go that way. Take the Quiz below and see if you have any of these symptoms

IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE A PROBLEM FOR YOU QUIZ

1. Do you set limits for yourself but then can’t seem to stop when you get to your limit?
2. Do you have a hard time going a whole day without thinking about it?3. Do you do it when lonely, upset, or stressed? 
4. Do you feel the need to hide what you are doing? 
5. Do you ever lose consciousness or blackout? 6. Do you do it at improper times, or sneak it in where not permitted? 
7. Do you ever drive under the influence? 8. Do family members, friends or people at work voice concern about your use? 
9. Does it interfere with work or family? 
10. Have you wondered if you have a problem with using or drinking too much?
IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ANY OF THESE YOU MAY HAVE A PROBLEM

If, for whatever reason there is too much shame to go out in public to get help there are online support groups, like alcoholics anonymous for practically every kind of addiction including drugs, gambling, sex, spending, overeating, pornography etc.

I realized this was a problem so I started a Counseling/Coaching practice out of my home so people did not have to worry about running into clients, students, colleagues or other community members. It is a confidential service where we decide if counseling or coaching would be of benefit. There is a difference- counseling usually goes into depth dealing with past issues and severe mental health problems that are impacting today’s success. Coaching offers tips and tools to fine tune a life and help people take a step forward to that next level to overcome some roadblocks to success. Services can be provided in person, through phone, videoconferencing, text or email depending on your needs.  

If you are a professional struggling with an addiction and need help you can start with a free strategy session to see what is the next best step to get your life in order.  Just go Why COACHING? tab and get signed up. You won’t regret it! I also have a seminar for professionals that I offer Tips, Tools and Hope. You can register for that HERE

 

Linda Larson Schlitz is a Master’s Level counselor, author, speaker and consultant with nearly 30 years experience. She is the recipient of the 2010 Red Cross Community Hero and the Athena Award for helping people with challenges in life to find the help and hope they need to be the best they can be. Linda is the author of Ditzy Blonde Faucet-It’s a God Thing. a book about her life and challenges with substance abuse, bi-polar and life and she will be releasing “Speak to Me God I’m Listening” in 2019, a 365 day 12 Step Christian Meditation book. You can contact her at linda@lindalarsonschlitz.com