The life of an executive is a highly pressured life filled with challenges from different angles. Executives are faced with the responsibilities from their work and those from the family at home which can be so overwhelming.
They hardly have the time to catch their breaths so, they resort to taking a couple of drinks at night after work to relax or use certain stimulants during the day to boost their efficiency.
It may begin with a harmless early morning coffee taken daily to feel alert which may increase the use of drugs because the coffee no longer gives the same effect it used to give.
An occasional indulgence becomes a dependence, thus, the origin of addiction. It does not have to be a compulsory addiction to substances but could be an engagement in certain specific acts despite their obvious adverse consequences.
The consequences will eventually begin to play out by affecting the productivity of the business and limiting accomplishments. This is why it is important to know when an executive is addicted before any costly damage occurs.
Although identifying an addicted person is the role of a mental health treatment specialist, some signs help you spot an executive with addiction problems.
Here are a few of them:
- Low Productivity:
When an executive frequently misses deadlines, or fails to give reports, or fails to meet up with targets, he may be suffering from addiction. It could also be that he shows a lackadaisical attitude towards his performance and that of his staff.
- Appearance change:
A deteriorating appearance such as a weight change or dull facial appearance could be a sign of addiction. The executive may be looking haggard and unkempt, oozing out body odor.
- Unjustifiable absences:
An executive’s absence from work for reasons he fails to disclose could signify an addiction problem. He may be leaving early, arriving late, or taking longer time during lunch breaks to indulge in substances or engage in behavioral disorders.
If at least two of these signs by an executive are seen, kindly consult a licensed mental health professional for help.