How to Overcome Work Addiction

We are used to thinking of addiction as something attached to a substance. But the psychological obsession that comes with addiction can manifest itself in more than one way.

A person can be addicted to other things such as sex or work, which is where we got the term workaholic from.

Do you worry you might be addicted to work? Let’s take a close look at what exactly are the signs of work addiction and how to overcome it.

What Is a Workaholic?

In the United States, there is a remarkable “hustle” culture that has driven numerous professionals to stretch their drive and time at the office more than might be commonly accepted in other parts of the world.

Being said that, there is a distinction between work addiction and a strong work ethic. Therefore, it’s critical to emphasize that working hard and having an exceptional work ethic do not make you a workaholic.

Instead, one might think of a work addict as someone who works compulsively, and excessively, and whose compulsion might affect their overall well-being.

Like other addicts, a workaholic might not be able to manage a compulsion on their own. Making it impossible or extremely challenging for them to disconnect from work, particularly when their well-being needs it.

Dangers of Work Addiction

Workaholism can have negative consequences for both the addicts and those around them. Some of the most common dangers of workaholism include:

Suffering from burnout
Chronic stress
Negative consequences for relationships
Issues with the family such as divorce
Depression
Anxiety
Cardiovascular disease

What Are The Signs of Work Addiction

Here are some of the most common signs of work addiction to look out for if you are concerned that you or a loved one might be suffering from workaholism.

Spending most of your time working or at work
Plotting ways to free up more time to work
Spending much more time working than initially intended
Using work as a way to soothe unpleasant feelings
Using work to escape problems
Others around you have called you a workaholic or asked you to cut down on work
Your family or colleagues have concerns about your work habits
It angers or stresses you to know you can’t work
It’s difficult for you to disconnect from work while at home or on vacation
Work comes before leisure, health, hobbies, family, or exercise
Working excessively affects your health
Working excessively affects your relationships
You can’t stop working even if you want to

If you are experiencing some or most of these signs of work addiction then there is a chance you could be suffering from workaholism.