It goes without saying that CEOs and other high-profile roles come with high pressure and stress. Managing different departments, shareholder interests, and meeting financial targets in a seemingly endless stream of workflow can lead to high levels of stress.
It is no surprise then that drug and alcohol use disorders are commonplace among those with high-profile jobs; as the need to release tension often leads to substance abuse as a way of letting go. Additionally, many CEOs and senior managers don’t get the help they need for fear their work and companies will suffer in their absence.
How big is the problem?
It is hard to know just how many CEOs and other high-profile job holders are suffering from substance use disorders and addiction. The reasons for the lack of data are varied but some key factors include;
- The often clandestine nature of these roles
- The stigma attached to substance misuse and addiction
- The high-functioning nature of these addictions
- Fear of being let go
However, data collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) on the prevalence of substance abuse among leadership roles found that;
- 12.1% reported drug use in the past month
- 11.4% were diagnosed with a substance use disorder
- 9.9 % reported heavy or binge drinking in the past month
The percentage of well-paid roles that suffer from substance abuse problems is far greater than lower-level roles in most organizations.[1]
Masking the issue
Due to the inherent fear of the stigma attached to substance use disorders and treatment, these figures may actually be far more significant than reported. People in these roles are often incredibly good at hiding their addictions due to their ability to cope well in demanding situations.
A study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that about 20% of alcoholics are high functioning and well-educated; often placing them in high-power job roles.[2] As well as being able to conceal their use disorders, many executives and managers are able to mask their problems with the complicit help of assistants and other employees who protect them from being discovered.
It is also hard to pinpoint which substances are most commonly abused. Still, most research suggests that stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines, opioid painkillers like Oxycontin, and alcohol are the most prevalent among high-earners.
What’s the link between CEO roles and addiction?
Due to the inherent fear of the stigma attached to substance use disorders and treatment, these figures may actually be far more significant than reported. People in these roles are often incredibly good at hiding their addictions due to their ability to cope well in demanding situations.
A study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that about 20% of alcoholics are high functioning and well-educated; often placing them in high-power job roles.[2] As well as being able to conceal their use disorders, many executives and managers are able to mask their problems with the complicit help of assistants and other employees who protect them from being discovered.
It is also hard to pinpoint which substances are most commonly abused. Still, most research suggests that stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines, opioid painkillers like Oxycontin, and alcohol are the most prevalent among high-earners.
What’s the link between CEO roles and addiction?
In a company of 5,000 employees, an estimated 15 of the 250 top executives may suffer from addiction to alcohol and other substances. Other studies suggest 10% of top executives are high-functioning substance abusers.[3]
While the causes for addiction are myriad and can affect people from all backgrounds, there may be a link between people in high-pressure roles and the potential for addiction. One theory suggests that CEOs often seek risky behavior, relishing having to make tough calls that affect entire organizations.[4] This need to pursue risky behavior could be linked to a genetic variable that produces lower amounts of dopamine in the brain. This gene has also been linked to substance use disorders and this may indicate a correlation between those in high power roles seeking risky drug and alcohol behavior.[4]
What help is available?
While the fear of stigma holds many CEOs and top-level figures back from seeking help, letting substance use disorders go unchecked always leads to worse outcomes. Thankfully, Recovered offers access to rehabilitation and treatment centers nationwide that can cater to CEOs’ needs. This includes residential rehabs that offer structured work zones that allow patients to attend to business needs while still receiving treatment. All rehab records are 100% confidential and many high-level or luxury settings offer unmatched privacy.
Resources
- O’Connell, D., Carruth, B., and Bevvino, D. (2012). Managing Your Recovery from Addiction: A Guide for Executives, Senior Managers, and Other Professionals. New York: The Haworth Press.
- Linden, D. (2011). Addictive Personality? You Might be a Leader. The New York Times.
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_1959/ShortReport-1959.html
- https://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/06/29/27074.aspx
