WHAT WE TREAT
Realising we have an addictive relationship with our work can be very frightening. Our passion and drive, all those traits that we are proud of, are suddenly called into question, while our fear of our own perfectionism (and how we might torture ourselves were we to admit we need to take a break) can be overwhelming.
Our work addiction treatment programme is designed to be practical, supportive, and personalised. We will not demand that you take time off work, nor will we try to ‘free’ you of your commitment to your career. Instead, we want to help you re-calibrate your inner relationship to your job. In so doing, we aim to help you use that drive to work for you, rather than against you.
Otherwise known as workaholism, an individual becomes addicted to work when they are consumed by work-related thoughts 24/7. It is often rooted in perfectionism, a harsh inner critic, and a compulsive need to achieve success. Akin to other addictions, an individual in the thralls of work addiction experiences a ‘high’ from working. This ‘high’ leads them to repeat the behaviour and become reliant on it for relief from stress or anxiety. It can be difficult to notice because working hard is so often rewarded. However, workaholism comes with numerous health risks. It can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, isolation, and other addictions.
Work addiction, like other forms of addiction, doesn’t have a singular cause, but it often operates similarly to other compulsive behaviours, such as gambling addiction. Excessive work stimulates the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine with each achievement, reinforcing the desire to continue working. This cycle is compounded by genetic predispositions toward reward-seeking and impulsivity, as well as environmental, psychological, and biological factors.
Ultra-successful individuals, in particular, are highly prone to developing work addiction. For many, work becomes a primary source of self-worth and validation, and the drive for achievement can become all-consuming. This is especially common among those in recovery from other addictions, as the desire to stay productive and successful can replace the void left by previous dependencies.
The consequences of work addiction can be severe, leading to financial instability, strained relationships, and physical health problems due to chronic stress. These individuals may experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, and other stress-related disorders. Furthermore, work addiction is often co-occurring with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
We understand the nuances of a work addiction, and we are here to help you overcome these complexities. At the forefront of our work together will be the question: ‘What is it I am getting out of work that I am not getting elsewhere?’ Or, in other words, ‘What am I using work to avoid in other areas of my life?”
Working together, we can figure out the answers to these questions and help you recalibrate your relationship with your job.
bespoke treatment
How we treat work addiction
We can’t tell you exactly what your four-week stay will involve, as each individual’s experience with work addiction is deeply personal. At Paracelsus Recovery, there is no set treatment path; every client receives a bespoke plan tailored to their unique needs and work commitments. However, it is important to emphasise that we do not adopt a specific treatment model. Instead, we advocate for a completely pragmatic approach to addiction; whatever works best for you to achieve your goals.
Your time with us is thoughtfully structured, with each therapeutic element carefully selected to support your recovery and help you establish a healthier relationship with work. These therapies work in harmony to help you break free from the cycle of addiction, regain work-life balance and restore your well-being. See below for further details.
Our approach considers the whole person: mind, body and soul
We do not adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Instead, we adapt each programme to each client’s unique set of needs. While our approach prioritises cutting-edge modalities and holistic care, your unique needs ultimately guide our work together.
Our 360-degree treatment approach begins with extensive testing to uncover why you have developed a work addiction and what to do to put an end to it. From there, we develop a personalised treatment plan that integrates cutting-edge therapies, each carefully tailored to address the root causes of your addiction and restore your psychological, cellular, and biological well-being. In the case of work addiction, this may include treatments such as biofeedback, bioresonance, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psycho-education, family therapy, sleep therapies, and art therapy.
However, tackling the underlying causes of your work addiction is just one aspect of our approach. Alongside addressing any root causes at play, we also focus on any consequences of your dependency, such as neurological or physiological damage often caused by addictions. This is achieved through a combination of intensive psychotherapy, biochemical restoration, and complementary therapies. Together, these elements are designed to support lasting recovery and equip you with the tools to manage stress and restore balance in your relationship with your job.
15+ team members, all dedicated to your health and well-being
A team of more than 15 experts will be dedicated solely to you and your health. This includes a personal psychiatrist, medical doctor, addiction specialists, and a live-in therapist who will be available for emotional support and therapeutic assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter the unique blend of treatments you receive, they will be delivered with the Swiss medical excellence we are known for.
Comprehensive programmes as unique as you are
Our approach is highly pragmatic, non-judgemental, and built upon our pillar of harm reduction, meaning that how you choose to work, whether less, differently or even more, is entirely yours.
We can provide treatment for work addiction and any co-occurring dependencies and mental health conditions at our private treatment centre in Zurich.
FURTHER READING
