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Addiction to Alcohol/Statements about Addictive behaviors

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Expert: - 10/1/2011


Question
Overheard a person in the healthcare field state that her job as a healthcare professional was addictive.  Coming from a 20 year addiction to alcohol and, now, a 17+ year recovery, that sounds troubling to me.  How would interpret that statement.  This person has stated this multiple times with body language of excitement and exhilaration.
Thanks
CW

Answer
Beverley Glazer MA. ICADC
Beverley Glazer MA. IC  
Hi CW

Coming from 17+ years of recovery the word 'addictive' would be very negative for you. Of all addictions, being a workaholic is thought of as a positive addiction in our society. We admire and compensate very hard workers. However, being obsessed with anything is not a good thing.

The healthcare professional was using the word 'addictive' in a different sense. She means that she 'loves' her job, that she loves it so much she can't wait to go to work. For her, work is a 'high'.

I've heard 'addictive' used to describe Starbucks ex. I love Starbucks, it's soooo addictive -- as well as many other things that people 'love'. Your colleague is using the word 'addictive' but could never image impact that word has on you. Think nothing of it.

I hope this information is helpful,
Thank you for asking AllExperts

Regards,

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com  

Addiction to Alcohol

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Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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