The Road To Sobriety For Executives

Recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction can take many different routes. It should not be the same for everyone, as different people have different challenges. Executives of big companies have their own set of challenges to face.

On the one hand, it might seem that executives have it easier than recovering addicts without jobs or in low-income positions. However, while privilege does lead to increased access to treatment, that does not make it any easier.

Executives have a lot to lose and may find it extremely difficult to find time for recovery. Their businesses may rely on them, and being out of office for an extended period of time might just not be realistic.

Furthermore, people in important positions face a lot of stigma when it comes to addiction. Even if they are proud of their personal journeys, other executives, partners, and investors may view their addiction with skepticism or as a weakness.

The good news is that there are ways for executives to get help without compromising on their privacy or ability to fulfil their work responsibilities.

Here is what the road to sobriety looks like for executives.

Addiction is addiction

It is important to start with the fact that addiction recovery is essentially the same process for executives as for anyone else. Addiction does not discriminate based on job title or income. Executives in recovery need to show the same commitment and willingness to challenge themselves as any other recovering addict.

The same principles which work in addiction recovery for everyone else work in addiction recovery for executives. They will do individual and group therapy, learn mindfulness, attend meetings, and so on. At the start of rehab, they will have to go through a difficult medical detox as well.

The road to sobriety for executives is more similar to that of everyone else than it is different. But there are differences.

Flexibility

Ideally, recovering addicts should commit to spending an extended period of time in rehab with little to no connection to the outside world. This is not possible for most executives in recovery. They may need to be the face of their company, even if they are not required to do any actual work at the moment.

Their company may also rely on them for skills or networks that only they have access to. This is especially true for businesses that are entering new phases, with intensive and consistent work required to ensure the transition goes smoothly.

Addiction recovery for executives is therefore more flexible. They might choose to stay at home rather than at a rehab facility so that they can make it to important meetings. They may have to take recovery more slowly so that they can work at the same time.

Privacy

Privacy is key to addiction recovery. Anyone who enters rehab is making the commitment to maintain the anonymity of others while expecting the same. Some executives, however, may not feel that this is enough. They may worry that their importance to their company makes the potential for being recognized untenable.

Some executives will choose to attend exclusive rehab centers where they can expect fewer residents. These residents will have as much to lose from a lack of privacy as they do.

Specific skills

Unfortunately, the high-paced world of the executive often exists within a culture of drug use. The people around them may use substances like cocaine regularly to increase confidence and the ability to work longer hours.

Executives in addiction recovery will need to learn specific skills to manage these situations which they probably cannot avoid. Their counselors and therapists in recovery will work with them to create an action plan. For executives who are not willing to admit to partners or investors that they are in recovery, saying no is going to be a necessary skill.

The road to sobriety for executives looks a lot like the road to sobriety for any other addicts. However, there are specific challenges they need to account for. Luxury drug rehabs and other exclusive centers provide programs for executives, focused on giving them an environment and skills suited to their particular recovery process.