Coping with Competition
- Ben Pearson
- Sep 15, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 24
You’re absolutely right: the pressures of high-level professional success in the U.S. bring immense stress and cutthroat competition. I know exactly how this relentless environment can lead individuals down a dangerous path of self-medication and addiction. We’re going to lay out the direct connection between this intense professional stress and the need for healthy coping strategies.
How does the stress of high-powered professional competition in the U.S. often lead to dangerous coping mechanisms?
The relentless stress, pressure, and difficulty admitting mental health struggles in competitive, high-ranking positions can push individuals toward accessible, fast-acting forms of relief, such as alcohol, drugs, or other self-destructive behaviors, especially given the financial means that make these substances easily available.
You’ve only scratched the surface of how the constant "on-guard" mentality and competitive workplace stigma create a breeding ground for addiction among top professionals. Keep reading to learn the critical steps for acknowledging this dangerous relationship and establishing essential work-life boundaries for a healthier career.
Why Does Cutthroat Professional Success in the U.S. Lead to Dangerous Coping Strategies and Addiction?
Professional success is championed in the United States — a country known for its business opportunities. However, achieving high-powered positions in a company or starting a company is ripe with stresses despite the financial stability or importance that one’s job title carries.
Regardless of this success, the stresses of competition in the workplace can be incredibly difficult to cope with. This is especially true as the economy writhes in a constant state of inherent flux only exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With professional and financial success comes a great deal of competition. This can create an atmosphere of stress, doubt, anxiety, and more.
It can even lead to the adoption of dangerous and addictive substance use as a way to cope with the cutthroat environment throughout these high-powered professional positions. As a result, being aware of the coping strategies one uses is paramount to prevent the development of addiction and create a healthy work-life balance.
Coping with Competition: The Stress of the Professional Sphere
There is no shortage of stress in anyone’s job. Dealing with the constant competition in the workplace can add to the already stressed mindset one may occupy. Not only can there be financial stresses as an individual budgets for their own livelihood, but there can also be additional pressure when others may have their eyes on one’s own position.
Reaching the rank of a position such as regional supervisor, vice president, executive, CEO, or another high-ranking role is cause for celebration. However, it can also come with the feeling that one may have a target on their back. The pressures set upon an individual by coworkers, peers, and excessive professional expectations can be extraordinarily difficult to cope with.
Those in these kinds of positions also may find that their workdays never have a definitive end time. Perhaps they feel that they must always be by their phone in case an important call or email comes in. This can make it very difficult for an individual to take a vacation or even a single night off from the stress. Being on guard at all times, maintaining an air of authority, and constantly dealing with unexpected professional crises takes a large toll on one’s mental health.
Likewise, this air of authority is also something that is expected to permeate at all hours of the day, especially in the work environment. Admitting one’s mental health is suffering or that stress is becoming overwhelming can be very difficult.
Not all coworkers may be ready to challenge the stigma surrounding things like therapy or mental health disorders. This can make it difficult to properly address these stresses, leading to an increase in other, more dangerous coping strategies.
The Prevalence of Addictive Substances
Drugs, alcohol, gambling, and more can all quickly become one’s way of coping with competition in order to relieve stress. Talking openly about therapy can feel like it may ostracize one from their peers. Unfortunately, discussions around hitting the bar after work are often commonplace, despite the detrimental implications. Built-up stress will look for any form of release, and it can easily come in the form of alcohol, drugs, or other self-destructive behaviors.
The financial stability that may be provided as a result of one’s executive position can also make this option more accessible. An individual may not have to budget as much for these substances. This makes them a fast-acting, accessible, and common coping strategy for stress from the cutthroat competition that is pervasive throughout one’s daily life.
Taking Control of Stress
Acknowledging the prevalence and possibility of addiction as a result of one’s professional life is a major step in coping with the effects in one’s daily life. It is important to acknowledge the following:
How much one is spending on addictive substances
How often do they engage with these substances
If an individual is using with professional peers or by themselves
These can all help an individual identify the potentially dangerous relationship that one may have with these substances. However, seeking professional help is always the best option. Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone, regardless of one’s career status or financial situation.
Different recovery facilities may also have unique clientele that helps demonstrate the widespread nature of addiction and help an individual connect with peers in similar situations. This can include creating support groups made of other professionals in similar situations, all coping with the competitive and stressful demands of one’s professional life.
Acknowledgment is the first step towards creating healthy coping strategies and establishing essential work-life barriers. Working with peers and professionals that understand how addiction and substance abuse can affect those in high-ranking professional spheres can provide acceptance and camaraderie needed for a healthy change.
Frequently Ask Questions:
• What are some examples of high-ranking professional positions that often carry a lot of stress and competition?
High-ranking roles ripe with stress and competition include regional supervisor, vice president, executive, and CEO.
• Why is it difficult for high-ranking professionals to address their stress or mental health struggles?
Admitting one’s mental health is suffering can be very difficult because there is a strong expectation to maintain an air of authority, and not all coworkers are ready to challenge the stigma surrounding things like therapy or mental health disorders.
• What substances or behaviors can quickly become a way for professionals to cope with competition and stress?
Drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other self-destructive behaviors can quickly become a way of coping with competition in order to relieve stress.
• How does financial stability sometimes make addictive substances more accessible for executives?
The financial stability provided by an executive position means an individual may not have to budget as much for these substances, making them a fast-acting and accessible coping strategy.
• What is the first major step an individual can take toward creating healthy coping strategies?
Acknowledging the prevalence and possibility of addiction as a result of one’s professional life is a major step in coping with the effects.
The stresses of professional competition don't have to define your life or lead to dangerous coping mechanisms. At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand the unique pressures faced by high-achieving professionals, and we are committed to helping you navigate the journey toward lasting wellness. Our programs are designed to address the core issues of stress, anxiety, and addiction in a supportive and confidential environment. We want you to know that breaking the cycle is possible, and we are here to partner with you every step of the way to establish healthy boundaries and reclaim your work-life balance. Please reach out to us at (435) 222-5225—let us help you find a better way to cope and thrive.
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About The Author
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
