Rehab for Working Professionals

Successful individuals may seem to have it all together, at least on the outside. But the reality is that corporate executives, business owners, and medical professionals are just like anyone else who struggles with addiction. They go through all the same adverse effects on their job and personal life as others who are addicted.

A rehab for working professionals is a program designed specifically for successful executives to receive the help they need. Learn about these specialized programs and how they may be the perfect fit for you.

Working Professionals With Substance Use Disorder

It is a known fact that a large number of people access the use of drugs or alcohol to manage stress. With this in mind, it isn’t hard to see why high-level executives may struggle with addiction. The more demanding the career, the more stress is involved, and that can lead to self-medication.

It is mistaken to assume that people with a substance problem would be unable to keep a job. SAMHSA reports that 10.8 million full-time workers struggle with substance abuse or addiction. In fact, over half the people with a substance use disorder are employed full time.

Certain types of careers are more prone to stress and pressure on the job. Stress has many sources – excessive demands, overwork, a toxic workplace culture, and burnout to name a few. Jobs, where stress and substance abuse rates are high, include sales professionals, first responders, doctors, lawyers, surgeons, and therapists.

Signs of Substance Use Disorder

If you are still unsure whether you actually have a substance problem, here is a list of common signs to review:

• You have tried to cut back or quit the substance but cannot.
• You use a substance as a coping tool to manage stress or a mental health condition.
• You may neglect your diet, preferring alcohol or drugs to a healthy meal.
• You seem to have a high tolerance for alcohol and notice tolerance increasing.
• You lie about how much you consume, even hiding substances.
• The feeling of guilt after drinking.
• You engage in high-risk activities.
• Your substance abuse is affecting your relationships.
• You prefer to be alone where you can use drugs or alcohol at will.
• You drink first thing in the morning to quell withdrawal symptoms.
• You keep using the substance, even in the face of negative consequences.
• You have withdrawal symptoms when the effects of the substance wear off.

Reasons Why a Professional Might Resist Going to Rehab

A high-caliber professional tends to have a certain profile. They are often highly accomplished, with college degrees and an upwardly mobile career. The idea of risking all they have worked for by admitting they have a substance abuse problem is terrifying.

Some of the reasons a working professional might resist going to rehab include:

1. Fear of a harmed reputation. There is indeed a stigma attached to addiction and mental health issues. You may fear that going to rehab will harm your hard-earned reputation.
2. Fear of destroying their career. Industries are tightly connected. You may fear that word would get around in your field that you have a substance problem. You are concerned this could impact your future prospects or career mobility.
3. Taking an extended leave. If you need residential treatment, that would involve taking a lengthy leave of absence from work. You may worry that taking a long leave will cause major disruption at the company or harm your business.
4. Not being able to continue engagement at work. You may be highly engaged at your job and tend to micromanage things at work. The idea of not being able to have your hand in daily work activities is a problem for you.

What a Working Professional Seeks in a Rehab

There are certain features a professional will look for when seeking the best rehab fit. These include:

• A luxury setting. These high-profile clients want to be surrounded by other professionals and receive treatment in a luxury setting.
• Privacy. There are valid concerns about protecting their privacy while in treatment, so they will seek a more remote setting.
• Electronic devices. Because the executive will want to remain engaged at work to some degree, they look for a rehab that allows cell phones and remote work.
• Flexible treatment. For some busy professionals, there is no way they can leave work for three months. They seek to follow detox with outpatient treatment.

First Step: Withdrawal Management

Upon entering treatment, you will need to complete the detox process. This process is different for each person. Things that dictate the severity of symptoms include:

• The length of history of the substance abuse
• Which substance was involved, or if there are polysubstances.
• How much was consumed daily
• General health status
• Mental health history.

The exact symptoms to expect depend on all of the above, and especially which substance is involved. The detox team assists you throughout withdrawal, offering medical support and psychological support. The timeline for detox is one or two weeks in most cases.

What to Expect at a Rehab for Working Professionals

Upon intake, prior to detox, you will meet with the clinical team. During this meeting, your substance use will be discussed, a diagnosis made, and level of care advised.

Levels of care:

• Outpatient rehab. This option is best for those who have a newer, less entrenched substance use disorder, or as a step-down. Outpatient programs are available in two levels of intensity and provide flexibility in scheduling.
• Residential rehab. This treatment option is best for those with moderate to severe addiction because it provides 24-hour support. These programs are multi-pronged and offer a full schedule of therapies throughout the day.

Treatment elements for substance use include:

• CBT and DBT.
• Family therapy.
• Group therapy.
• 12-step support.
• Life skills training.
• Holistic therapy.
• Relapse prevention training.

Rehabs designed for working professionals provide the perfect setting for healing after you complete detox and withdrawal.

Executive 7 Day Detox for Working Professionals

Executive 7 Day Detox offers upscale detox and withdrawal within a safe, private setting. We prioritize comfort, confidentiality, work-related technology provisions, and evidence-based methods. We can arrange a transition to a treatment program immediately following detox. Call us with any questions at (800) 381-0827.