All industries have at least some problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Despite stereotypes, people working in the world of finance are no more likely to develop substance abuse issues than in any other — in fact, rates of substance abuse are somewhat lower in the finance industry than average. Because it’s so high-pressure, though, the finance industry can present challenges to those at risk of suffering from addiction.
The image of the cocaine-addicted financier is largely a product of Hollywood and television. That said, it is true that controlled substances such as tranquilizers and certain stimulants can prove very attractive to people with high-pressure careers. Younger individuals are often tempted to take drugs such as Adderall and Provigil in order to remain focused and fight off fatigue. MDMA or “molly” is also used, partly for its stimulant effect and also for the artificial sense of well-being it temporarily produces. Benzodiazepines and other tranquilizers are sometimes used to cope with stress, as is alcohol. Sometimes both stimulants and tranquilizers are used together, with one drug being used to temper the effects of the other. What begins as occasional use to cope with temporary issues becomes habitual, and then becomes an addiction.
The risk factors for drug and alcohol abuse in the finance sector are similar to risk factors in other walks of life. Not all jobs in the finance industry are exciting and glamorous, and those who find themselves in routine, dull or otherwise unfulfilling positions may turn to substances to cope. Long working hours can push people towards using stimulants to cope, while others may use different drugs to deal with the stress of high demands and expectations. Some people in the industry have pre-existing issues with drugs or alcohol that may have started as far back as early adolescence, and these may re-emerge during times of additional stress or pressure.
As well as the typical pressures common to any profession, people in the financial industry often have a profound sense of personal responsibility towards their clients. This is especially true if they’re investing or managing money on behalf of individuals. Being in charge of someone’s life savings or retirement fund can place a heavy emotional burden on a responsible individual, particularly in times of economic instability. This can lead to drinking or the use of controlled substances to cope.
People in the finance industry who have pre-existing or co-occurring psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorders, may be at a particularly high risk of developing substance abuse problems. It’s important to ensure that these conditions are managed effectively in order to avoid escalation or the emergence of new difficulties with drugs and alcohol.
One major factor in a person developing substance issues can be the workplace environment. If the use of alcohol and other substances is normalized in the workplace, this can trigger problem drinking and other substance abuse issues in vulnerable individuals.
When someone finds themselves struggling with dependency issues, it’s important to seek professional support instead of trying to cope with it alone. With proper care, a full recovery is possible. For a person working in the financial industry, taking time away from work to seek treatment can seem impossible. The Dunes East Hampton offers executive recovery facilities so you can carry on with your duties while you receive the care that you need.
At The Dunes East Hampton, we provide high-quality rehab and recovery services in a luxury residential setting. No two cases of substance abuse or dependency are the same and we offer individually tailored programs to give you the swift and lasting recovery you deserve. Contact us to find out how we can help.