Overcoming Addiction: 7 Best Strategies for Business Owners
Hello! I’m Denise G Lee, a healing and leadership coach. I help business owners deal with both their work and personal lives. One big problem some business owners like yourself may face is addiction. This can be to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even work itself.
Overcoming an addiction isn’t just about stopping a bad habit; it’s about taking back your life while making sure your business does not implode in the process.
Let’s look at seven steps to beat addiction while running a business, using simple and effective methods. Along the way, I will explain the science and psychology behind each step. But first, let’s debunk some myths about addiction.
Myth #1: Addiction is Rare and Only Affects the Poor
Many people think addictions only happen to those who grew up in tough environments. That’s not true. Addictions don’t care who you are or where you were born. Just look at Hunter Biden. Despite his connections to powerful people, he still struggled with substance abuse.
Also, addictions struggles are more common than you might think. According to the 2022 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 46.8 million Americans (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in the past year.
Imagine a large stadium filled with people. This stadium can hold about 280,000 people, representing the entire population of Americans aged 12 and older. Now, picture that in this packed stadium, 46,800 people are struggling with a substance use disorder. This means that for every 100 people in the stadium, about 17 of them are facing this challenge.
Battling an addiction is like being caught in a powerful river current. No matter how strong you are or how good a swimmer you are, sometimes the current is too strong to fight on your own. You need help to get out safely. It's not just about willpower; it's about getting the right support and treatment.
Myth #2: Addiction Is Simply Poor Impulse Control
Some people think addiction is simply an issue of poor impulse control or that self-will alone can fix it. I wish it was that simple. Stress, fears, unhealed hurts, and uncertain circumstances can weigh on a person and make them want to escape feelings of sorrow, despite the short and long-term costs.
Battling an addiction is like being caught in a powerful river current. No matter how strong you are or how good a swimmer you are, sometimes the current is too strong to fight on your own. You need help to get out safely. It’s not just about willpower; it’s about getting the right support and treatment.
Now that you know addiction is neither rare nor requires a simple “quick fix,” let’s talk about some important steps. Leaders like yourself should take these steps through the addiction support and healing process.
It’s important to step back and see how addiction affects every part of your life. You know stuff is getting bad when it starts hurting you professionally and personally. You are in control not your addiction.
7 Vital Steps for Leaders Seeking Addiction Support
Step 1: Recognize the Problem
The first step to overcoming addiction is knowing there is a problem. This might seem simple, but many people deny it.
Nobody wants to admit that things are going haywire, especially if you are doing well financially. But just like a crack can widen in a floor over time, so can unresolved addiction issues. Addiction can lower your work performance, hurt relationships, and even risk your business’s future.
Science behind it: In psychology, denial is a way to avoid facing hard truths. We do it because we may be dealing with stress, anxiety, or fears that appear bigger than they actually are. Think of your rearview windows on your car. Are the cars behind you that close to you?
Of course not!
But they are amplified so that you can be aware of your surroundings. That’s the same way fear works. It makes things scary and our tendency as humans is to just dig a hole and hide in it. Pretend that your problems aren’t there. However, you can do better. You can face the facts of how your addiction is costing you in all areas of your life.
Example: Think of a business owner named John. John’s business is suffering because he’s often late, misses meetings, and has trouble focusing. At first, he blames stress and long hours. But soon, he realizes that drinking too much alcohol is the real problem. This is hard to notice because he has normalized the impact, believing his drinking is ‘normal’ for people in his industry.
You are in control, not your addiction.
Recognizing the problem can be very hard, especially when you are used to being in control as a leader. However, it’s important to step back and see how addiction affects every part of your life. You know stuff is getting bad when it starts hurting you professionally and personally. You are in control not your addiction. Gain your power by knowing what is happening to and around you. This might mean keeping a diary of your daily actions and habits, noting when and why you turn to addictive behaviors.
And a word of advice – don’t ask another drunk if your drinking is bad. It is like asking the kettle if the color of your pot is dark. Simply record your experiences and ask yourself whether your actions are helping or hurting you overall. Do this for a minimum of 30-90 days.
Step 2: Ask the Pros For Addiction Support
Once you know there’s a problem, the next step to overcoming addiction is to get professional help. This could mean seeing a therapist, joining a support group, or going to a rehab program. Professional help gives you the support and tools you need.
Science behind it: Therapy and counseling work well for treating addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people understand the thoughts and feelings that lead to their actions. In addition to CBT, you can utilize strategies like psychodrama, EMDR, equine, sound, water, or art therapies. Depending on the extent of the unresolved trauma, you may need a mix of different modalities or treatment programs.
Example: John decides to see a therapist who specializes in addiction. In their sessions, he learns to spot triggers and find ways to cope without turning to alcohol. In addition, John joins Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) where he has an accountability partner and sponsor.
Find different solutions that will work best for you
It’s important to find the right kind of help. Therapists and counselors can give you a plan that works well for you. Rehab programs offer a more intense experience, often including detox and medical supervision.
I highly recommend intensive inpatient programs initially so that you can treat the underlying issues that triggered the addiction. Most addicts have years, if not decades of unresolved hurt and traumas that have not been dealt with.
Support groups, like AA or Narcotics Anonymous, offer community and accountability. In the beginning of my own recovery program, I needed support from both my Sexaholics Anonymous group as well as a therapist.
Also, consider holistic approaches like mindfulness therapy, acupuncture, and nutritional support. These methods can work with traditional treatments to help the whole person, not just the addiction.
Step 3: Build a Addiction Support System
Overcoming addiction isn’t something you do alone. Building a strong addiction support system is key. This includes friends, family, team members, and other business owners who understand your situation. Support groups, both online and in-person, can give you a sense of community and accountability.
Science behind it: Social support greatly improves recovery outcomes. People with strong support systems are more likely to stay sober and less likely to relapse. Also, emotional support helps reduce the stress and isolation that can lead to addiction.
Example: John joins an online support group for business owners with addiction problems. He finds a community that understands his unique challenges and offers encouragement and advice.
Find people that are safe and honest
Creating a support system means reaching out to people you trust and being open about your struggles. This might feel scary, but being honest can strengthen your relationships and give you a network of people who can help.
Important: If the people around you are emotionally distressed, they are the last people to seek addiction support from. Find people who are comfortable with talking about addiction issues and showcase emotional maturity.
Think about finding a business mentor who understands the pressures of running a business. A mentor can give practical advice and emotional support. They can help you balance recovery with business responsibilities, keeping your professional life on track while you focus on your personal health.
Step 4: Develop Healthy Habits
Addicts who are also business owners are very busy people. When they are not grinding hard trying to build their business, they are using all their free energy on their drug of choice and lying to everyone about the fallout from their actions. Developing habits is just putting that same energy you spent using into those that help improve your mental, physical, and spiritual energy.
So what to do? For starters, try exercise, meditation, and hobbies that keep your mind off your drug of choice. If your calendar is filled with hiking, rock climbing, yoga, or other sporty activities, you may not feel inclined to get yourself hammered with booze the night before. Choosing healthy habits not only reduces stress but also provides positive ways to use your energy and emotions.
Science behind it: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Meditation and mindfulness practices reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Healthy habits can change your brain, helping to break the cycle of addiction.
Example: John starts running every morning. The exercise clears his mind, reduces his cravings for alcohol, and gives him a good start to his day.
Overcoming addictions requires exploring your inner creativity
Choose more than one activity to help quick start your healthy habit routine. Physical activities like yoga, swimming, or cycling can improve physical health and provide mental clarity. Mental activities such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill can keep your mind busy and away from addictive behaviors.
Explore the artistic side of you. Painting, writing, or playing music can be not only creative but healing for the mind and body. Find something to help improve your overall health and wellbeing. Also, trying new things can help you rediscover passions and interests that addiction may have forgotten over time.
Step 5: Manage Your Stress
Running a business is stressful, and stress can trigger addiction. Not only do you feel the need to earn more money, but the desire to be viewed positively can weigh down on anyone. You need positive ways to manage that stress. Learning to manage stress is important for overcoming addiction. This can include time management, giving tasks to other folk to handle, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Science behind it: Chronic stress changes the brain, making it harder to resist addiction. Handling stress like a champ means you know how to stay calm so that you reduce your chance of relapse.
Example: John sets up a new time management system that lets him prioritize tasks and delegate more effectively. He also practices deep breathing exercises when he feels on the edge.
Know what you can and cannot do
Taming your stress involves knowing what sets you off and knowing how to deal with them. This might mean setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, taking regular breaks, and doing activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
Consider mindfulness meditation to stay present and reduce anxiety. Deep breathing, tenses and relaxing your muscles, or looking at pictures or thinking ideas to help you calm the mind and body.
Creating a balanced work environment is also important. No longer do you need to act on fear that nothing will get done. Learn to lean on your team members to handle stuff, buy apps or services to handle repeatable work and stay focused on the big picture things in your business. This can reduce your workload and create a better work-life balance.
Step 6: Set Realistic Goals
Stop thinking everything has to be done all at the same time. That desire to be a perfectionistic robot probably kickstarted your addictive tendencies.
Now is the time to set realistic and achievable goals. This will help you stay motivated while you make progress in both your recovery and business. Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your achievements along the way.
Science behind it: Goal setting is a powerful tool. It gives direction, increases motivation, and improves performance. Realistic goals prevent you from feeling like a failure and more confident in yourself and your abilities.
Example: John sets a goal to stay sober for one week. Once he achieves that, he extends it to a month, then three months. He also sets business goals, like increasing sales by 10% in the next quarter, and celebrates each milestone.
Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed. And make sure your goals are SMART. Life and business are always changing, so your goals should reflect your current situation and goals. Celebrating the little wins can also help you stay pumped and excited for what will happen next in your healing journey.
There's no such thing as perfection in recovery, only progress. Stick to your recovery plan and don't hesitate to ask for help.
Step 7: Stay Connected Healing & Your Addiction Support Network
Overcoming addiction is like fighting a long war, not just winning one battle. Don’t get upset if you make mistakes or slip up along the way. Many successful people have relapsed early in their recovery. So don’t expect to be perfect. There’s no such thing as perfection in recovery, only progress. Stick to your recovery plan and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Science behind it: Research shows that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming addiction. The process often includes wins and losses. What matters is getting back on track and moving forward.
Example: John relapses after a stressful week filled with challenges. Instead of giving up, he reaches out to his support group and therapist, learns from the experience, and recommits to his recovery plan.
Setbacks are a normal part of the recovery process
Staying committed means understanding that setbacks are part of the healing process. Instead of seeing a relapse as a failure, view it as a chance to learn and grow stronger. Think about what caused the setback and how you can handle similar situations better in the future.
Keep a positive mindset and remind yourself of the progress you’ve made. Regularly review your reasons for wanting to overcome addiction and keep those motivations in mind. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your efforts and celebrate your successes.
The image below summarizes my tips. Next, I will share my final thoughts on overcoming addiction.
Final Thoughts
Overcoming addiction is hard. Growing your business while developing healthier habits may seem impossible, but it’s achievable. If I could do it, so can you. Healing and recovery involve discovering your true self and challenging your old patterns.
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Seek the support you need. Surround yourself with people who understand your journey and can offer encouragement and guidance. Support groups, therapists, friends, and family can play a vital role in your recovery.
If you need my help, feel free to reach out and contact me. Together, we can create a plan to help you overcome addiction and reach your business goals. We will focus on both your personal growth and professional success, ensuring that you build a healthier, more happier life.
Also, listen to this episode from my entrepreneur podcast, where I talk with a a former judge about her journey through addiction and recovery. We all share some other addiction support resources.
