People often have an idea of what a person struggling with substance use disorder looks like that is inaccurate. In truth, SUDs affect people from all walks of life, even the most successful professionals like company executives. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) even reported that 12.1% of those in managerial or executive positions use illicit drugs.

Executives are generally driven, successful individuals. This implies a certain level of intelligence, focus, and stability. So why is substance misuse common among executives? What makes them vulnerable to substance use disorders?

Why are Executives Susceptible to Substance Use Disorders?

Executives, particularly C-suite executives, often seem infallible and untouchable. Substance Use Disorder, however, does not discriminate. Even these high-power individuals can struggle with the complexities of substance use disorders.

Executives tend to be high earners and hold a lot of power in an organization. This, of course, comes with great responsibilities – from making major decisions to bearing the most liability. These responsibilities along with other factors can make them vulnerable to SUDs.

Stress of Leadership

Executives are expected to carry and lead an entire organization which could consist of anywhere from dozens to thousands of employees. Most executives are dubbed as natural leaders, but even the most talented ones can succumb to the stress of leadership.

Stress, as they say, comes with the job description. Unfortunately, many executives use alcohol and illicit drugs to alleviate stress. This can eventually turn into a coping mechanism leading to alcohol and drug cravings whenever they face pressure.

Pressure to Perform Well

Executives, or management in general, are considered the face of the company. As such, their every move is often closely scrutinized. Since they represent the company, they deal with the constant pressure to perform well–whether it is in the more technical aspects of running a business or in socializing with clients and prospective investors.

There are executives who resort to using substances to boost their performance. Some take illicit drugs to maintain a confident facade even in the face of work challenges. Others use substances to increase their productivity which they often equate with good performance.

Maintaining Status and Appearances

As previously mentioned, some executives are driven to substance misuse to deal with stress and boost performance. In a lot of cases, these executives do recognize that they have an alcohol or substance problem. However, their desire to preserve their position and maintain appearances often keeps them from seeking professional help. This leads them to spiral deeper into SUD.

Many executives strive to embody an identity they believe aligns with how others perceive someone in their role. Maintaining this persona, at least for them, translates to maintaining their status. Unfortunately, this can lead to stress and feelings of isolation which can drive them to turn to alcohol or illicit substances.

Exposure to Binge Culture

Drinking alcohol to celebrate corporate events or host clients is considered a norm in many industries. Since drinking is deemed socially acceptable, some executives might not see the line where social drinking becomes alcohol misuse.

In many industries, more is often perceived as better, and this culture of ‘excess’ sometimes includes alcohol consumption and even illicit drug intake.

What Substances are Most Commonly Misused by Executives?

Alcohol tops the list of most commonly misused substances by executives. This is mainly because drinking is widely normalized as a means to unwind from a long day of work or part of socializing with colleagues and clients. Since executives have their private space and are rarely questioned, it is also easier for them to have a drink here and there in the workplace.

Executives also tend to misuse stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines (such as Adderall or Ritalin). These substances address the need of executives to boost their energy levels and focus to increase productivity.

Other substances that are commonly misused include:

• Marijuana
• Codeine
• Prescription Medicines
  • Opioid painkillers (such as Vicodin and Oxycontin)
  • Anti-anxiety medication (such as Benzodiazepines)

What Treatment Options are Available for Executives with SUD?

There are various treatment options available depending on the severity of the SUD or the type of dependence an executive is struggling with. Some of the options available are:

• Medication. They can have medication-assisted treatment along with various treatment therapies.
• Inpatient Treatment Program. This can include hospitalization or detox and rehabilitation which would require executives to temporarily step away from their work responsibilities.
• Intensive Outpatient Program. This is perfect for executives who don’t require 24/7 monitoring but need more intensive care than regular outpatient treatment. This also allows them to continue working while undergoing treatment.
• Co-existing Condition Treatment. This involves medication and/or therapy to address co-occurring conditions like psychological disorders.
• Counseling and Support. Executives can join support groups for impaired professionals to help in their long-term recovery. There are treatment centers that incorporate these in their continuing care plans.

FAQ

What is substance misuse at work?

Substance misuse in the workplace involves drinking or taking illicit substances during work hours. It can also extend to going to work while under the influence of these substances. Frequent absences, work errors, and dips in productivity can indicate substance misuse at work.

What causes substance abuse in the workplace?

Stress is the main cause of substance misuse in the workplace. This is also why people in high-stress and physically demanding industries are more susceptible to excessive drinking and illicit drug intake. Substance misuse in the workplace often begins as occasional intake to alleviate stress or fatigue.

What industry has the most substance abuse?

Substance use is most prevalent in industries with high-pressure environments and physically demanding workloads. Industries on top of the list include food service, healthcare, law enforcement, construction and mining, legal, sales, and management.

Executive Recovery at PSI Health

Acknowledging that there is a problem and deciding to seek help for it are the first obstacles that executives must overcome. Once they are ready to start the recovery journey, there are a lot of treatment options available for them.

PSI Health in Chicago, understands what’s at stake for executives and other professionals. With this in mind, we have created treatment programs that will address your recovery needs while ensuring safety and confidentiality. Let our team of licensed specialists help you take back control so you can continue flourishing in your career. Take a step towards long-term sobriety; seek help today!