Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about addiction treatment.
Find a Healthier Work-Life Balance
Overview
Work addiction (workaholism) is a compulsive need to work excessively, driven not by external demands but by an internal compulsion. Unlike simply being dedicated or ambitious, workaholism involves using work to escape emotional discomfort, an inability to disengage despite exhaustion, and continued overwork despite harm to health, relationships, and quality of life.
Signs
- Inability to stop working even during vacation or personal time
- Feeling anxious or guilty when not working
- Neglecting relationships, health, and self-care
- Deriving self-worth exclusively from productivity
- Working to avoid dealing with personal or emotional issues
- Physical health consequences (burnout, chronic stress, sleep deprivation)
Treatment
- CBT and boundary-setting skills
- Stress management techniques
- Treatment of co-occurring anxiety or depression
- Couples or family therapy if relationships are affected
- Mindfulness-based interventions
Related Resources
FindAddictionTreatments.com provides informational content and referral services. We are not a treatment facility. Individual treatment outcomes vary. No specific results are guaranteed.
National Resources: SAMHSA National Helpline | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | SAMHSA Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov