What is work addiction?

Work addiction, also known as “workaholism,” is a mental health condition characterized by an incessant need to work excessively. Like any other addiction, people with a work addiction are unable to stop this behavior despite negative consequences on their physical and mental health. 

Work addiction transcends far beyond dedication to one’s career, perfectionism, or a desire to achieve higher status, although it can develop as a result of these. 

Those struggling with work addiction find themselves tirelessly engrossed in working, often at the expense of all the other aspects of their lives. The addictive pattern manifests through:

• Relentless work hours with little time spare for anything else
• An unshakeable preoccupation with work-related tasks even off-hours
• An inability to disengage from work-related thoughts

Left untreated, work addiction will eventually result in burnout, major health problems, and depression.

Work addiction statistics

Finding reliable statistics can be tricky for work addiction as it is not currently recognized by the DSM-5 as a behavioral addiction. However, it is recognized by many addiction experts and is a topic with ever-increasing research behind it. 

Here are some work addiction statistics:

• Studies estimate that approximately 14% of the general population may exhibit work addiction tendencies.
• Work addiction has been linked to increased stress levels, which in turn lead to a higher risk of physical health issues such as cardiovascular problems.
• Research indicates a slightly higher prevalence of work addiction among women compared to men, but both genders are susceptible.
• Work addiction is strongly associated with other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout.
• Excessive work does not always equate to higher productivity. Work addiction may lead to decreased efficiency and more errors over time.
• Work addiction can affect individuals across age groups. However, some studies suggest that younger professionals may be more susceptible due to career aspirations and technology providing constant connectivity to work.

What are the signs of work addiction?

Observing the difference between someone who is hard-working and an individual with a work addiction can be difficult. In addition, those with a work addiction may justify their behaviors by explaining how being devoted to one’s job is a positive attribute.

Here are some common signs that someone may be addicted to work:

• Intrusive thoughts about work even during time off
• Feelings of guilt when not engaged in work-related activities
• The inability to detach from work
• Excessive working hours beyond what is necessary for the job’s demands
• Sacrificing leisure activities and personal interests
• Intense fear of failure and/or paranoia about work-related performance
• Neglecting self-care
• Deteriorating physical health
• Strained relationships or using work to avoid relationships completely
• Anxiety and depression
• Working to avoid dealing with something else (for example, emotional trauma, financial problems, divorce, etc.)
• Drug or alcohol dependence, as a result of self-medicating to relieve work stress or to maintain optimum performance

What are the consequences of a work addiction?

Work addiction can indeed take a heavy toll on someone’s life. The consequences of work addiction often permeate into physical health, mental health, and relationships. 

Work addiction may lead to negative consequences such as:

• Chronic stress
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Compromised immune system
• Cardiovascular issues
• Digestive problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Mental health issues, such as depression
• Emotional exhaustion
• A diminished sense of accomplishment
• Feelings of isolation
• Impaired judgment
• Decreased productivity over time
• Burnout

What are the risk factors for developing work addiction?

While risk factors for developing work addiction can vary, there are a few well researched factors that show a consistent association, including:

Personality traits

Perfectionism, competitiveness, neuroticism, and a compulsive need to succeed are all personality traits that can lead someone to a work addiction. The constant drive for accomplishment can cause someone to overwork.

Work environment

If a work environment holds a “100%, 100% of the time” culture, this can lead to individuals working long hours under high pressure to meet such high demands. In today’s “hustle culture,” many industries have unclear boundaries between work and personal life.

Stress and coping mechanisms

Those experiencing high levels of stress or looking for an escape from personal issues may find themselves using work as a coping mechanism. Immersing themselves in work allows them to avoid facing underlying emotional or personal problems.

Upbringing and values

Early experiences and learned behaviors can influence someone’s risk of developing work addiction, for example, having parents who were addicted to work. Growing up in an environment where overworking is normal or where success is measured by work ethic can be contributing factors to work addiction.

Lack of support and recognition

In some cases, work addiction can stem from an insecurity of feeling unsupported either at work or elsewhere in life. Some people may overcompensate for a lack of support and recognition by working excessively to prove their worth or gain approval from others.

Work addiction triggers

Recognizing triggers is crucial in any addiction, and work addiction is no exception. However, unlike substance addictions, where the aim is to avoid or manage triggers and stay sober, it isn’t really possible for most people to avoid work completely!

While triggers differ for everyone, there are several common external and internal triggers known to exacerbate work addiction, including:

• High workload and pressure
• Tight deadlines
• The pressure to meet high expectations
• Perfectionism
• Fear of failure
• Unclear or ever-moving boundaries
• Constant connectivity through technology, for example checking work emails at home in the evenings
• Lack of fulfillment outside of work
• Stressful life events
• Problems in personal relationships

How is work addiction diagnosed?

Work addiction is not currently recognized in the DSM-5, but mental health professionals and addiction specialists may use certain guidelines to evaluate if someone exhibits signs of work addiction. 

Often, clinicians will use questionnaires and assessments such as the Bergen Work Addiction Scale (BWAS) or the Work Addiction Risk Test (WART). These tools are helpful in determining the degree of work addiction based on specific criteria and behaviors.

Additionally, mental health professionals may conduct clinical interviews to understand a person’s work habits, lifestyle, and how work impacts them in various ways. Sometimes they may administer psychological assessments to determine levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Since work addiction affects physical health too, a mental health professional may recommend a medical evaluation to assess the impact of work addiction on a person’s overall health.

Treatment options for work addiction

Treating work addiction involves a combination of approaches aimed at addressing the underlying causes and modifying behaviors. These can be delivered through inpatient or outpatient rehab programs. 

Some common treatment options include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can help individuals identify and change their thoughts and behaviors related to work addiction. It involves changing negative thought patterns and adopting healthier coping mechanisms.

For example, learning to set boundaries between work and personal life is a key part of recovery from work addiction. Therapy can help people develop skills to set and maintain boundaries with others, which includes time-management skills.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-reduction techniques can help individuals better manage stress and increase self-awareness. Through these techniques, they can learn to create a healthier relationship with work, themselves, and their loved ones.

Support Groups

Those in recovery from any addiction understand the importance of support groups. Support groups allow members to feel a part of like-minded people, while sharing struggles, solutions, and encouragement. 

There are also options for group therapy available through organizations like Workaholics Anonymous, that can provide a healthy source of support.

Medication (if necessary)

In some cases, medication may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for depression or anxiety symptoms associated with work addiction. Medication may be prescribed by a psychiatrist and used in conjunction with other therapies.

As work addiction can result from a coexisting mental health condition, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – or cause mental health issues, like depression and anxiety – it’s important to have a full mental health assessment and ensure any treatment plan addresses both the addiction and any underlying issues.

Work addiction treatment at Sun Villas Recovery

At Sun Villas, we understand the toll that work addiction can take on individuals, families, and friends. We provide a supportive environment to help our clients work through work addiction – and any co-occurring conditions – offering customized programs that emphasize finding a healthy life balance.

We recognize that work addiction transcends beyond mere dedication to one’s profession; it’s a complex behavioral pattern that requires specialized attention and understanding. 

Our team of experienced therapists and addiction specialists is dedicated to providing the best quality of care there is, through a holistic approach that addresses not only the addiction but also any co-existing mental health issues.

We prioritize lasting healing for all our clients, promoting a well-rounded, transformative recovery journey that will nourish your mind, body and soul.

If you or a loved one is struggling with work addiction, contact us today to find out how we can help.